Disclaimer : I do not own the rights to the hunger games…got it?

Author's Note: Many thanks to my reviewers JB, Arrow, Wild ,KL10X and newest reviewer THGlover4life (later to be known as THG4)

Chapter 26

A Victor's Birthday

The following week my birthday has me sitting in the victor's hall; my tributes are still in it a bit worse for wear but still fighting to stay in it.

Being at the games but not having to be IN the games is strange, nothing is happening except the occasion crying fit Johanna Masson is putting on due to them all being spread out.

I don't care much for watching the screens, I know one day I will have to but I leave it to Tracker and Hellen.

I sit at the bar and Raul gives me a virgin daiquiri. I sip at it while listening to the music being played on the speaker system. We don't have disks of music at home anything we have is usually played live by those who know how to sing or play instruments. But in the Capitol they have libraries of music, which date all the way back to before the great disasters. I start singing the chorus softly to myself as I sketch in my sketch book, it was played before and I pick up lyrics easily. Before I know it I hear someone else taking on the song as well.

Finnick sits beside me and is singing, he gives a wink. He offers me his hand and I hop off my stool to be twirled around by him. The other mentors shake their heads at us being silly; no one is in immediate danger so why not have a bit of fun? Finnick did say I have to loosen up.

"Isn't it your birthday Ari?" Finnick asks

I blush, its enough of an answer. He smiles, "we have to celebrate!" he calls Raul to get a cake for me, and candles before we know it the music is turned up and everyone is getting into the spirit.

That's why when we hear the first thunderclap and the crash of a lightning bolt it comes as a shock and everyone including me looks at the screen.

An electrical storm, it has all the tributes on their feet and running for shelter. Some were unfortunate and sleeping off the ground in trees. Two cannons go off in a row. But no district is removed from the board.

But it does take two careers off the map.

"Citizens were getting bored" Haymitch says coming over, "like the sandstorm last year"

"Or the flood Annie's year" Finnick adds as another cannon goes off and district twelve is taken off the list.

I look to Haymitch who shrugs, takes a long pull of his flask and heads off without another word. I feel bad for him. I make to go to him but Finnick puts a steadying hand on my shoulder.

"Let him go kiddo, he is not in the chatty mood" he says

Brutus and I head back to hotel late. I have a huge smile splattering my face; I tried champagne tonight, much to Hellen and Tracker's dismay. I am giggly and giddy. Of course it was cut with orange juice; even so I had four mimosas. My head spins, I remind myself not to do this again unless I am home safe and not in the Capitol. We get off the elevator and Brutus walks with me until he has to turn a corner.

"You gonna be okay Ari?" he asks.

"Yep!" I say chipper, "'m just down th' hall an' to th' left I can get there"

"You sure?" He doesn't look convinced.

"Yep 'night Brutuss" I say smiling and head for my room.