Finally I'm free to take my month old son home. The train can't seem to go fast enough as it gets further away from the Capitol and closer to home. Night falls as we pass through the fence. As we slow down, I look out the window and realize not one person is outside except for white uniformed Peacekeepers.
An attendant helps me get Aron into a baby sling. I have several of these things now some rather gaudy, but all very effective. As I look down at him I can't help but think of the irony. As of this moment, he is the youngest person from District Five to ever come home alive after going to the Capitol. Something I'm never going to say to anyone but Gray away from the house.
When the doors open, a squad of Peacekeepers escorts me to an armored car. This is slow going since I have to use a crutch for my right leg. The doctors think it will be temporary and I hope they're right.
"Move to the middle," one orders.
"I hate the middle," I sigh scooting over. At least the seats are leather otherwise it might be difficult or at the very least awkward with a baby and a partially limp leg.
Two Peacekeepers sandwich me in between them. There are a few possible reasons for this scenario. One is that I'm about to be killed. Second is to be imprisoned for the time being. Three, that they're just here for decoration and I'll be rid of them as soon as we get home.
"So, when and where can I collect my things?" I say at in an attempt for conversation.
A woman gives me a sidelong glance, "As soon as it is inspected thoroughly."
As if they didn't do that before I left. "So a month. Aron will grow out of half the clothes by then." I roll my eyes when they maintain their stern expressions, "I'm joking."
One cracks a smile. He's Capitol for sure, but the rest I'm thinking are District Two. Oh the secrets I've uncovered over the years. If Snow found out just how much I know about the workings of the Capitol my life would be forfeit.
Even in the darkness I can see the turn to drive up to get home. But the car doesn't turn. "Victor's Village is that way," I point out.
But they ignore me. All of the sudden the first two guesses are looking more and more likely. To my surprise they stop at the mayor's house.
"Out," orders the same one that ordered me in.
"What no 'please'?" I grumble.
The guard that's enjoying ordering me around walks to the door and pounds hard. It's enough to wake the dead that's for sure.
"Falon," says Blane Peaks shocked when he opens his door. "Come in come in."
He invites the Peacekeepers in as well, but they decline stating they must return to their duties.
"Ms. Dawnson," he nods and turns away.
"A suggestion sir," I say. He pauses and turns back to me. "Work on your accent. I don't think many would be impressed that you come from District Two."
He flinches slightly. It wasn't a threat really, more like a desire to enlighten him that I know what goes on in Panem. Without a word he turns and gets back in the car.
Blane chuckles as he closes the door, "You enjoyed that."
"Only a lot," I reply.
Pepper comes into the room, "Blane what's going on?"
"Peacekeepers just dropping off an old friend," he says.
Her hands slap over her mouth when she sees me. "Thank goodness. We thought the worse." Pepper stares at my cane. "They hurt you?"
"Nah, he did," I say pointing to my baby. "Pinched a nerve or something on the way out."
Pepper comes to investigate what I'm talking about, "Oh Falon he's beautiful."
"Thank you," I say.
Blane moves behind Pepper to get a look at Aron but soon he turns back to me, "So, how are you?"
I smile. "Nothing like a few near death experiences to liven things up a bit."
Pepper works up a smile. She's still not as used to my humor as Blane is who is snickering. "May I hold him?"
Aron makes no fuse as he sleeps away in Pepper's arms and I sit down.
"Can you take me home?" I ask.
Blane shakes his head, "It's after curfew. Anyone outdoors will be shot immediately. I'm sorry but you'll have to spend the night here. I'll drive you home first thing in the morning.
Pepper looks up, "Your children are safe at home. I spoke with Elian today."
There are no words to describe how relieved I am at his words. Sure Marcus was here and would ensure nothing happened to my family, but some things are above his status at the Capitol.
"May I at least call them?" I ask.
"Phones are still down I'm afraid," says Blane. "Power is off. And no one knew anything about you. Only that the Capitol took you. You have no idea how relieved we are to see you."
I nod knowing there's nothing I can do to convince anyone otherwise. The thundering of feet alerts us that Blane and Pepper's twin daughters, Cherry and Lilac, and son, Ron, are awake. After several minutes of questions, telling stories, and intentional stalling they are ushered back upstairs to bed.
Sighing I look up at them, "If it's all the same, I'd like you to go first."
Blane sighs resting his hands on his knees, "Five leaders, four hanged and the fifth still at large. About nine-hundred Peacekeepers showed up the next day and ended it right there. No one has been allowed to leave their homes except the bare minimum of workers and they are all escorted by the Peacekeepers. As far as I know they've kept a few of the new additions at your home round the clock."
"How many dead?"
Pepper looks down at the floor, "Forty-two with more possible from their wounds." She swallows hard and I know what she's about to ask. "Falon, do you know?"
"That Jay was among them? President Snow told me himself. My… friend didn't know how to tell me and the others didn't know."
Pepper's eyes tear up while Blane stares at me stunned out of concern. Between the two of them, Blane knows me best since he was part of my little gang of friends growing up. After Boron died in the games, Blane took it about as hard as I did. I know now it was partially because Boron took tresare out for his family several times and Blane felt responsible for his going in. As the sole provider for his younger siblings, Boron wouldn't let him volunteer to take his place in the arena.
"We're more sorry than we can say."
For the first time in weeks I believe someone.
When morning arrives, Pepper knocks on the door. My red eyes are a dead giveaway that I've been crying most of the night. Before I have the chance to compose myself, she wraps her arms around me. "Blane is warming up the car. It will be out front soon," she says.
Outside the scene is different. Peacekeepers march in line with guns while escorting workers to the plant. There's not a single person anywhere else in sight except those wearing the white uniform.
"I'm gone for a month and they change everything," I say.
The car feels like it's going slower than a snail, but we still make good time. Except for the five Peacekeepers standing outside, everything is how I left it. "Give me a head start?"
Pepper nods and takes Aron.
"Just come right in like you own the place," Gray snarls as the door creeks open.
"I do own it," I reply seriously. My eyes search him over. It doesn't look like he shaved once, his eyes haunted but are quickly transforming as they drink in every inch of me checking and rechecking to see if I'm real. To let him know it's me I add, "Nice to see you to. Although I don't think I'm crazy about the beard."
"It's really you," he says taking me in his arms. Not a second passes before his lips are on mine. When he pulls back I see the tears on his face and I'm crying as well. "Kids, get in here quick!"
Pepper takes this moment to walk in with Aron. "Good morning, Gray. You have the most handsome little boy."
There's a different expression in Gray's face as he takes his son into his arms for the first time. He's the only one that we know, without question, is his child by blood. Gray has always been a good father but I wonder if he will treat Aron any different from his siblings.
"And by the way, we're naming the kid Gray Aron," I say.
Gray is lost in happiness, "If you say so."
"Mom!" screams Rotor leading the charge.
I sink to my knees hugging and kissing my three babies that I left behind. Only one thing could make this moment perfect. But that is one wish I will never get. Jay's gone.
That night and a few nights after, our bed is a little crowded as all but Aron are all curled up with Gray and me. Even with all their kicking and moving around I'm just so grateful to still have them. Had things played out differently they might've had to bury me or worse I would have to bury them.