Six months later
-Riggs Fidler, 18, Victor of the 125th Hunger Games-
Riggs felt numb as he sat on the train.
He had forgotten what it felt like to be put in a nice outfit and drooled over by his prep team. The first time it happened, he loved it. He loved to have a group of people, all fawning over him and telling him how attractive he was ("for a District Six," they said, but Riggs often ignored that part).
Now, he just felt nervous, and sad. It didn't help that in just a few hours, he was going to have to go to each District and try and explain to them why he deserved to live more than their own children. Riggs couldn't tell them why he was still here. He couldn't tell them why he deserved to live any more than them. He didn't. The only reason he was even alive was because June had the string. If she didn't, he would be dead, he wouldn't even be here. Nerio would have killed him, Riggs would have placed third, and he would have failed. The same trident that impaled his ally would have impaled him, too.
Riggs stared out the window as the train sped to District Nine, where it would pick up June, Vale, Demetrius, and June's prep team. Riggs had talked to June on the phone occasionally, but for some reason they decided to keep the Victors from seeing each other until today. Something about a heartfelt reunion, Gian said. Riggs was pissed, though. They were keeping him apart from the only person that was in that Arena with him. Riggs was so glad he could be with Gian, who understood his pain, but he wanted to be able to be with June, too.
He wasn't sure what she thought of him. Were they friends? Did she just give him the string out of pity? Because she could see how pathetic and sad and helpless he was? Did she actually mean what she said, about wanting to win with him? Did she wish he would just leave her alone? That he was clingy? Did she want nothing to do with him now that they were out of the Games? Riggs imagined she had a good six months without him. She was probably further along the healing process than he was, after all. She was probably doing better without him bogging her down. Maybe she had asked for the separation. Maybe-
The train lurched to a stop, and Riggs closed his eyes and took a deep breath. June was just a toughie to figure out. He couldn't get in her head. Either way, he felt like he needed her far more than she needed him.
Jovia came over, beaming at Riggs. Since he had won, she had been even more cheerful than usual. Riggs appreciated her positive energy, especially because he just didn't have it in him to be chipper all the time anymore. He was barely ever happy nowadays.
Riggs stood up, trying to force a smile as Jovia gave him a reassuring pat on the back. He felt much calmer when Gian squeezed his hand reassuringly. Together, the team stepped out of the train. June and her team were waiting at the station, surrounded by robots that had cameras in them to document the meeting. Riggs's heart sank when Gian let go of his hand. Riggs's heart was pounding with nerves and excitement at seeing his fellow Victor standing there, wearing a black crop top, leather jacket, and a dark pleated skirt with a red stripe across it.
Riggs wanted to say so many things, I'm so glad to see you, I missed you, I hope you're doing well. All he said was a calm, "Hey."
June put up a hand in a wave that almost seemed shy. "Hi."
She walked briskly over to Riggs and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug, which Riggs quickly returned. He was so happy to see her, and was soon smiling.
"Enjoy this because I'll never say it again. But... I missed you," she said quietly.
Riggs felt his grin grow, ever so slightly. He was pretty sure June actually liked him after all. "I missed you too. We have some catching up to do."
~.~.
Riggs didn't know why they insisted on changing his outfit again on the road to District Twelve, but he let them do as they pleased. That was what he had to do. When they pinned Ashlyn's rose on his suitcoat, Riggs shifted uncomfortably. As two Victors, each of them would speak about one tribute at the ceremony in each District. Jacques was June's ally, so she could wear his black and gray rose proudly. Riggs just felt uncomfortable with Ashlyn's rose, colored like fire. After all, he had allied with and dearly loved Ashlyn's killer.
Luckily, he and June did get some time to sit in the train and talk, take their minds off of what was coming, as they had ended up about twenty minutes ahead of schedule. The conversation had started slow and lukewarm at first, but soon the two Victors were barely able to take turns, they had so much to say. Riggs told her about District Six pride, showed her a picture of the mural Aimee had painted on his house, and talked briefly about attending Syca's funeral. He told her about Wolf coming back to Six with him and Gian for the first time since he'd left. He talked about seeing his brothers again and the most recent dare he'd completed.
June, likewise, was teeming with stories. She told him about Jasper's funeral, for which she'd passed out squid hats. She talked about holding a retirement party for Vale and meeting Prentice's weird family. She talked about Vale's new pet turtle, who he had lamely named Mr. Turtle, and was going to care for in his retirement. She talked about finding a parrot she fell in love with at the pet store and taking it home with her, and the various times she wanted to kill the parrot for screeching all night. She told Riggs all the phrases she was teaching her parrot to say, how she was training it to say "You will meet your doom tonight" every time Prentice came in to parrot-sit while she was away on her tour. She talked about her meeting with the Head Gamemaker, which surprised Riggs. What business did she have with Lux Hastings?
Just before he could ask, Demetrius and Jovia came back to retrieve their Victors, and the conversation was put on pause. Riggs's heart was pounding as Jovia put the notecard in his hands that he would have to read off of.
"Read exactly what's on the card," she said.
"Exactly," Demetrius echoed. "The last time a Victor diverted from what was on the card..." he frowned. "They paid a price for it. No heartfelt eulogies."
Jovia frowned. "I know it's hard, but... They're really cracking down on it. They're cracking down on a lot of things..." She hung her head.
Riggs shuddered, remembering the look on Bonaventure's face as he was executed. It was horrifying, but they had June and Riggs both watch it the night before they left. Nobody was safe. That was what they'd learned. Nobody.
"Just try to make the best of it!" Jovia said. "The whole nation will be watching you, so you should say the right things! That's all the Capitol wants for you after all! That's why they've written these speeches. They don't want you to say anything that could be taken the wrong way and get you into trouble. That's why they write your speeches."
Riggs and June nodded, but neither believed what it.
Jovia squeezed Riggs's shoulder, and Demetrius gave June a nod. "Be careful," he said quietly. "Please."
"Nah, I'm just going to go out there and not be careful at all," June said sarcastically.
Demetrius just sighed. "Please. I can't see another go through that."
June softened slightly. "Of course."
Without another word, June and Riggs left the train.
District Twelve was dingy and ugly. The clouds hung low in the sky. The notecard felt heavy in Riggs's hand.
Their announcement came with no applause, not that Riggs expected any. The families just looked so sullen and miserable where they were, on the podiums. June took the initiative and talked first, reading the words on her notecard so eloquently that Riggs felt insecure. Jacques was her ally, and she spoke well about him. She sounded like everything was okay, the words sounded so genuine you would think she wrote them herself. He glanced at each family, at the crowd, at the sky, the houses off in the distance... She was done talking. It was his turn to talk about Ashlyn. Like anyone wanted to hear what he had to say.
Riggs read the words aloud without knowing or remembering what he was saying. It was a miracle that the words all came out. They certainly sounded robotic, but this was the very best Riggs could do. The speech seemed to go on forever, but soon they were shown off to the crowd one last time and taken into the Justice Building.
There, Riggs and June were reunited with their mentors, and introduced to District Twelve's three Victors. Riggs never thought he would meet them in person. Braelynn had such a kind smile, it was hard to not feel welcome with her around. Allegra was kind as well, though nervous. Riggs understood how she felt. The other Victor wasn't a mentor for this Games, but stayed around because he would be swapped in for mentoring the next two years, next with Braelynn and the next after that with Allegra.
Bates Statham was an attractive man, just a year older than Allegra, but was one of the least-admired Victors because his win had been so lame. He was a master of traps, and escaped only making two kills at age fourteen. Since, he's been quiet and withdrawn, and he was no different when meeting the two newest Victors.
Before they could talk much, though, it was time to leave, and be whisked off to District Eleven. Riggs and June had zero time to talk about what had happened, by the time they were both changed, Ollie's rose put up in June's hair and Daria's rose pinned to Riggs's shirt, they were thrown in a jeep and taken to the Justice Building.
This speech was easier on Riggs. Daria had been a friend of Syca's, and Desiree's, but Riggs hadn't known her personally. He was surprised when he looked up and the only person standing on her podium was her mentor, Skeeter Hofstadter. Her own family hadn't come to the District... Riggs couldn't blame them.
Riggs knew that even if it was easier for him, it was much harder for June. She had abandoned Ollie, after all, and though she hadn't caused his death, they were still allies. Riggs knew that she was happy to have avenged him, even if indirectly. She still spoke so sincerely that Riggs thought she wrote the speech herself. She made even the cold words of the Capitol sound like a touching speech.
The mentoring room was much more somber than the District Twelve room, as Riggs and June had expected. Skeeter had a glass of whiskey in his hand from start to finish, refilling it the moment it was empty. The man that had escorted for this District was killed. It didn't sit well with Riggs, and he didn't even know the guy. He couldn't imagine how tense District Eleven's only two Victors were feeling.
Chervil tried to make friendly conversation, but his heart really wasn't into it. He did bring his pet turtle, though, and had a conversation with Vale about it that was slightly light-hearted. Soon, though, they had to say goodbye, as they were driven back to the station and sent back to their styling rooms for District Ten.
Riggs was nervous about this District, after everything that had happened with June. He was chosen to speak about Attila to avoid any outcry because of how June had disrespected him. Attila's rose was worn on his suitcoat, and Miya's was around June's wrist.
District Ten was slightly easier to manage. Neither of them had really known either of the tributes, and June held her tongue, not making any further comments about Attila. Riggs tried not to notice the boy that was probably his little brother, that covered his ears and squeezed his eyes shut through her entire speech.
Afterwards, June and Riggs got to meet some of District Ten's Victors. Arthur greeted them warmly, apologizing for Roxanne's clear lack of tact. Riggs had always thought her to be the tough love kind of woman. Probably because she won the Games at age thirteen and wanted to rid the masses of any memory that she was once the scared young girl.
They also met Mika Wagner and Dahlia Parker, Victors of the 82nd and 99th Games respectively. Riggs heard them talking about training as he and June approached, which made June stop short.
"I knew that asshole was a true Career," she said, balling her fists. Riggs went to meet them anyways.
Mika was a kind woman that had a light in her eyes when Riggs said (out of respect) how strong District Ten's competitors were. She was proud of the fact that they were starting to train. And Parker smiled just as large when Riggs said that Attila fit right in with the Careers. He felt sick that they were training Careers, but it wasn't his place to say anything. He excused himself to find June again. They were equally glad when they had to be whisked off to District Eight, skipping June's home District until immediately before the Capitol.
Riggs didn't like wearing Ester's purple and blue rose on his shirt, but June had killed the girl. This was the same girl that almost killed him. He supposed if it had been any other Career he'd run into on his crazy death spree, he would be dead. He supposed he owed her something for not going through with the kill. Still, though, the thought made his stomach churn. June just looked plain sad to be wearing Semper's purple and red rose, but she wore it with a grieving pride.
June spoke first, while Riggs looked at the sad married couple and teenage girl on Semper's side. Only parents were on Ester's. He read the speech, again not paying attention to what the words were saying, right off the card. He didn't care much to talk forever about the girl that injured him so badly. Even if it wasn't totally her fault.
When they went back to District Eight's Justice Building, Riggs felt uncomfortable. Something about the way Tartan grinned as he shook both their hands. He looked at Riggs and proudly asked if Ester had left scars on him, clearly disappointed when Riggs said no. June was about to unleash on the man about how she'd killed his precious Ester, but Vale swooped in to divert the nutjob's attention.
Ant was solemn but he gave them both greetings and well-wishes. They also got to meet Kiari Thurston, Victor of the 103rd Games. She was very rarely in the limelight, as she'd given up mentoring after she mentored Tartan out of the Games. Riggs didn't blame her. She was a quiet and mousy woman, but still seemed somewhat kind. Riggs and June were once again saved by their schedule, bidding them all farewell as they had to arrive in District Seven.
Wait. District Seven? Riggs would be back talking to Tartan in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, he couldn't stop the time passing, he knew he would have to face his fate. And they were arriving early so he'd have time to give Camiella that autograph. It was a privilege that Gian and Jovia fought for, and Riggs was grateful.
Riggs couldn't help staring at himself in the mirror. His outfit for this stop was completely black. Black pants, shoes, black coat and shirt. It was a stark contrast from the colorful suits he had been wearing. The only color on his outfit was the green and yellow rose. That stupid cauliflower-looking rose that added such bright color to a black outfit.
June had her hand on his shoulder the entire ride in the van. The notecard felt like steel in Riggs's hand, Wolf's autograph felt like iron in his pocket. The crowd greeted them with subdued applause, but there was a look of respect on the faces of the people.
"I'll talk first," June whispered, as she received the plaque from the mayor. Riggs nodded thankfully.
June spoke about Persei first, sounding so eloquent and sincere. Riggs knew that he would have to say exactly what was on the card. The same speech, the same speech he'd given for the people he didn't even know, the people that had injured him. Riggs knew that he wouldn't be talking sincerely, he just hoped the people could see it too.
June was finished talking too soon. It was Riggs's turn. He noticed how full Persei's podium was, all with family. He noticed how small Syca's looked in comparison. He had met these people before, at the funeral. Surely they could see that the Victors had to say these stupid speeches...
With a quivering voice, Riggs read. He read as fast as he could, knowing that this speech was fake. It was all fake, it was all empty. These words weren't from Riggs's heart. He felt like he was going to explode, outburst and scream that these weren't the words he meant. This wasn't the way he wanted to pay respects to someone that deserved to be on this stage far more than Riggs did!
He felt June's hand lightly touch his back, which snapped him out of his thoughts. Riggs defeatedly blinked the tears out of his eyes, and finished the last few sentences that were written out for him to say, putting the card back into his pocket defeatedly.
The applause was quieter as they were escorted back to the Justice Building.
Before Riggs went back to where the Victors were, he waited in the main lobby of the Justice Building. Before long, Camiella appeared there. Riggs was struck, again, by how much she looked like Syca. Much sadder, though, and more tired.
"Hello," he said. She wiped her cheeks, already tear-streaked. "Long time, no see."
"It doesn't get any easier," she said. Riggs's heart was breaking for her. He really didn't know what to say.
"I'm so sorry for that speech... It was awful."
Camiella shook her head. "You have people to protect now. You do what you have to. I... Understand." She swallowed hard. "He wouldn't want you to throw everything away on his behalf. You came to his funeral..." she wiped more tears and sniffled. "I think that shows what kind of friend you are."
Riggs smiled a little bit, his own eyes tearing up. She was right. And she really did seem in better spirits than she had been when they'd first met. Things seemed to be getting better, which was all Riggs wanted for her and for her family.
"I know that you already met him and all... But..." Riggs produced the autograph from his pocket. "A promise is a promise."
Camiella took the autograph, her face turning red as another sob came out of her. Still holding the paper, Camiella threw her arms around Riggs, and he hugged back tightly. "Thank you," she said quietly, into his ear.
"It will get better," Riggs said quietly.
Camiella smiled and grabbed a couple guitar picks that were on a rope tied around her neck. One was initialed by SS, Scorpio Sangster, and the other was TM. TM? Nah, surely that was just an N, Thor Nazario. Riggs didn't really know a TM. Camiella squeezed the one with a T between her fingers and smiled slightly. "I think it will."
Gian appeared just then, looking apologetic. "We have to go," he said. "I'm sorry. We've stalled all we can."
Riggs gave a sad smile to Camiella. "I have to go. But... Don't lose hope."
Camiella sniffled and nodded, giving him a tiny smile. "I'm holding on."
Riggs waved as he hurried up to rejoin Gian and the rest of the team.
June and Riggs just had time for a glass of water before they were being changed for District Five, as they'd go back to District Six before the Capitol at the end. Both of his allies right in a row. Riggs wasn't sure if he could take it. How was he supposed to read such empty words about the one who had given his life for Riggs's sake!? Riggs was proud to wear his rose, just as he had been at the pre-Games party.
June agreed to talk first again, speaking kindly about Dyna in a way that made it seem like June hadn't struggled a day, but also was grieving horribly. Riggs just didn't know how she did it. He read the words included for Joule, pausing when he forgot what line he was on and almost read the same one twice. In his pause, there arose a shout from the crowd.
"SHE'S A CHEATER! SHE'S GUILTY!" Riggs glanced up at the boy on Joule's side who was shouting. "RILAH CHEATED!"
Riggs felt his body freeze up. He almost responded, but he didn't want anyone or himself to get hurt. He put his eyes back on the card, found the line he had stumbled on, and continued reading where he'd left off. His mind was racing so much he could barely focus, and had to stop to refocus a couple times. Was he right? Was she not as innocent as she seemed? Not that it made Joule's actions right, but... He certainly wouldn't be the monster he thought he was.
Riggs was nothing but thankful the moment that the speech was over, and they were taken back into the Justice Building. Tim was the first to greet them, both with a large hug. They didn't have to talk to Kelly, as she was hiding under a table and Tim suggested they don't approach her. They briefly talked to The Victor of the 106th Games, but Rocket was mute and neither of the Victors knew how to sign. The room was too dingy for writing to be a good form of communication, so they just introduced themselves and left it there. Tim was happy to try and act as an interpreter, but not even he was great at signing, much to his frustration.
They were saved by the train... But Riggs and June were both dreading the same thing. How could either of them wear Nerio's rose?
~.~.
-June Fisher, 18, Victor of the 125th Hunger Games-
District Four was sunny and warm, if not a bit humid. The air smelled like the sea from the Town Square where they were... It was a pleasant day here in this beautiful district.
The fact that she didn't have to wear Nerio's rose made it even more beautiful.
Riggs was a sucker when he'd picked it up in the finale, and now he had to talk about the tribute he killed, even though June had been the main reason he died. It was like a tag-team. June felt bad that he'd have to talk about the man that killed both his allies, but she knew that he could do it, and stick to the card. If she were talking about Attila, she definitely wouldn't have been able to.
June read the card about Luna's while they were in the van, so that she could sell it on stage. June wasn't a huge fan of Luna, but at least she wasn't Nerio. Reading her speech on stage made June nervous, sure, but she got through it. Riggs, like every other of his speeches, had awkward pauses as he tried to read a word or two through his nerves, but still made it seem slightly convincing, though he mostly just sounded nervous. June knew this would be tough, and for the difficulty of the speech, he did a good job.
District Four's Justice Building was gorgeous. It had a fountain in the foyer and everything. It looked like a super nice hotel that June had only ever seen on television. The room was lively, as District Four had more Victors than any of those they'd visited so far. Michael smiled when they introduced themselves, but June could tell he would have rather Luna come home. Port was awkward, but June figured he was always awkward. It was especially awkward to meet the Victors that tag-team killed your tribute's chances at getting home.
Scarlett Espinosa, Victor of the 105th Games, made a point to strut over and greet them both with a handshake of iron. June had the feeling that they wouldn't really be welcomed back into District Four anytime soon. And she was a-okay with that, as long as nobody tried to kill her here. Eli Hathaway came over and held out his hand for June and Riggs to shake, also giving them an iron handshake. They were really tough here. June expected them to be far more laidback. Both o them were glad to be leaving District Four, and on their way to District Three.
Since Kaelys was June's ally, she would speak about the girl from Three, which meant Riggs would speak for Bec. If only the boy had just disrespected everyone he killed, then he wouldn't have had to speak about them. That was what June did. Obviously she half-regretted some of the things she said, but they were true.
June spoke first. Kaelys was very dedicated and serious, and June was sure that was what the group of teens on her podium wanted her to be when she spoke in her fallen ally's honor. The Capitol-provided speech conveniently left out the part where June abandoned her and Ollie, which had lead to her death.
Riggs spoke slowly, but genuinely. If only the Capitol speech wasn't so cut-and-dry. Maybe he would have actually made someone in the crowd feel something. He hurried through, stumbling on a word before finishing. June and Riggs were both glad to be out of there. The boy on Bec's platform looked too eerily similar to him for June or Riggs to be comfortable. And he and the whole family, and a group in the crowd, had the shape of an X painted on their face, June wasn't sure why.
Riggs asked Tav why when he came to shake their hand and he was wearing one as well. June was touched by the reason, although she felt like wearing it on their faces for all to see on the cameras wasn't a great idea. Tav had worn his on the outside of his hand, June had only noticed it when he reached out to shake hers. Probably smart, considering the family he has at home.
Ellie also shook their hands. She was quiet, shy, but seemed very kind. She and Vale talked a lot, she asked Vale about Mr. Turtle (damn that turtle, June thought, it gets more attention from everyone, especially Vale, than I do!) and how it felt to be retired. Tav was more than happy to answer any questions the two new Victors had, and June knew that he would be a valuable resource for mentoring, if he would share his expertise.
Soon, they were being sent off to the scariest District of them all: District Two. June wasn't sure how she felt wearing the gold and rainbow rose meant for Dania, but she wore it with a smile anyways. The District greeted them with enormous applause, more than any other District combined. It made it far easier to speak about Dania, even give a glance to the parents and older brother on her podium. Acacia's podium was fuller, and Riggs spoke about her well. It was probably the most eloquently he had talked this entire Tour.
June felt strange receiving bouquets of golden flowers from beaming, wide-eyed trainees, though. And the medals were a little much for her taste. She just smiled and received them with a grateful attitude, though, and so did Riggs.
District Two's Justice Building was even more breathtaking than District Four's. It looked like a castle on the inside, golden and elegant, decorated just right with only the most expensive furniture.
There were plenty of Victors there, all of them looking forward to meeting the tributes. (Well, except Pluto. They looked forward to tackle-hugging Demetrius and staying glued to him the whole time, before Demetrius introduced them to June and Riggs.)
Glaucia Sestus's handshake was even firmer and more unforgiving than Scarlett or Eli's from District Four. Her eyes pierced into June and Riggs's soul, and she could sense Riggs tensing up as she told them how nice it was to meet them. When Nona greeted them, she seemed subdued as compared to the badass she usually was on television. Vesperus gave them a smile as he said hello, but stayed curt. June was annoyed at how short everyone had been with them. It wasn't like they killed everyone in that Arena. They were just trying to survive.
Pit Kensy flipped a table, just because she could. The Victor of the 80th Games was sixty-three, but June was sure she could outrun (maybe even outlift) most of the people in the room. She wanted to be that old lady someday, honestly. Nikko, her husband, apologized for her actions, but still seemed totally smitten of his wife, and proud of her even though he was shaking his head. June kind of wished she had someone that would look at her like that too.
(She'd seen that look before, from... a guy she knew. But... Gah, it wasn't the same look. Surely it wasn't.)
June was almost sad to leave District Two. It really says something if District Two is the most fun District for a pair of outlier Victors.
She really didn't want to go to One because she knew she'd be wearing Chance's rose. She had won rock-paper-scissors for it ("that's not a very mature way to honor the dead," Demetrius had said, but June fired back with all of his insensitive actions and he shut up). But Riggs had looked so sad about it, and he already had to wear Attila's, Nerio's, and Ester's, so June decided it was her turn to take one for the team here.
It was hard to sound sincere about this, but June figured that it was only for a couple minutes, and this would probably be her only time to talk about him to the nation. She didn't want to be any more disrespectful than she already was. As a Victor, she'd found, friends were far more valuable than enemies. Riggs spoke well about Wicke, too. Neither of them felt much better to be presented with customized rings and plaques and flowers from a couple of starry-eyed kids, but at least they weren't getting spit on.
District One's mentor room was swarming with people. It was just as beautiful as District Two's, and even more ornate.
They met District One's most recent Victor, Clear Roberts. He was known for killing every single one of his allies in their sleep, and being scorned for it after getting back so badly that he was found and treated after an attempted suicide. He seemed tired, but friendly enough. They also met Miracle Hewitt, Victor of the 110th Games. She seemed bored when Vale talked about Mr. Turtle, but perked up when he mentioned that he was planning a turtle playdate with Chervil.
Cartier gave them both a kind fatherly smile and a handshake, giving Riggs a firm pat on the shoulder in congratulations. Blessing was also very polite, and a lot more welcoming than June would have expected a District One Victor to be. That wasn't saying all that much, though.
Soon, they were being called back, where they would go to District Nine, then Six (June had pouted that the sixty-nine wasn't real then, but nobody had filed a complaint on her behalf so they were stuck going in the wrong order).
Like Riggs's team had done for District Seven, June was wearing a conservative and simple black dress with a floor-length skirt and long sleeves, the only splotch of color on her being Jasper's rose. June wasn't ready to talk about him. Riggs was wearing June's rose, and rubbed her shoulder the whole way to the Justice Building. It seemed to be the only way they could comfort each other. Just a simple touch to the shoulder, meaning "I'm here, you've got a friend in me."
June had to be honest, she was afraid that Riggs would have moved on from her in their time apart, relied on Gian and spent all his time with his loving boyfriend and forgetting that he even had a co-Victor. June seemed to not be able to hold onto anybody in her life... What was one more getting away? She was thankful that Riggs seemed to have missed her. She wanted to be his friend, even if she wasn't great at showing it.
Standing up on this stage, in front of her people, was just as terrible as she thought it would be. The first time, it was exciting for her to be back home. Now, though, it was just sad and somber. She couldn't help but notice the various wacky squid hats that were worn by various people in honor of him, though. That made her smile, though she felt her eyes well up.
She tried to be as brave as possible as she gave her speech. Being brave was so hard. She was glad she'd said what she wanted to at the funeral, so now the people knew she was just posing, reading fake words off of a card. It hurt her to say such insensitive-sounding things, as much as she tried to make them sound sincere. She was so glad when her speech was over. Riggs seemed to notice the tears that were threatening to drip out of her eyes, and made his speech quickly as he could. June was grateful for that. The crowd applauded and thankfully, June hurried away from the faces of the people that should have been applauding for Jasper, not her.
She ran straight to Vale, who gave her a tight hug. Vale gave the best hugs. They were strong dad hugs, and they always reassured June. She knew she was going to be alright. Somehow. She heard Riggs shaking Prentice's hand, the two idiots acting like it was the first time they'd ever even seen each other.
"I don't think I've met you," Riggs said. "What's your name?"
"Oh, my name is Prentice, and, um, who are you sonny?"
Sonny. June snorted at that. God, they were so stupid. Both of them.
"I don't think I've met you before, Princess," Prentice said, crossing the room to her. June sniffled and wiped her eyes. Prentice took her hand and kissed it, causing June to roll her eyes and smile.
"My name is Oliver Closeof," she said. "Nice to meet you, um, what was your name again? Major Dumbass?" Prentice and Riggs both laughed, and June grinned.
"Your parrot is freaking me out," Prentice said. "It keeps telling me I'm going to meet my doom."
June grinned proudly. She made eye contact with him and quickly looked away. "Really? That's strange. I have no idea what you're talking about."
"It's time to go!" Jovia called cheerfully. June's spirits sank a little. They still had one more District and a Capitol party. Ugh.
"I'll see you in the President's mansion," Prentice called, as they walked out the door together.
"Bye asshat," June said, crossing her arms and hurrying after the escorts. She felt bad for such a terrible goodbye, but... Now wasn't the time for this. Not for any of this. They got on the train to go to District Six.
For this District, Riggs was wearing Desiree's rose, and June was wearing Riggs's. Riggs would speak about his District partner, and June was given a short speech to give about Riggs. Totally stupid, but he'd have to pretend she'd just given him an award for Best Man Ever.
Riggs got emotional speaking about his District partner, but held it together much better than June expected. She was almost hoping he wouldn't, just in case she couldn't hold herself together in her home District... Almost. He'd suffered enough this tour. June tried to take the speech seriously, but it was so superficial and he was standing right next to her that she couldn't help but try to hide back the laughter at how ridiculous it sounded. Riggs even let a humored smile slip. When she was finished, he gave her an awkward side hug and the crowd applauded.
The District Six room was pretty empty, considering there were only three Victors and Anatoly wasn't intent on talking. June left Riggs and Gian to do their disgusting thing, and instead just hung out with Vale. She didn't even introduce herself to Anatoly before they were put on a train to go to the Capitol.
For this party, the stylists went all out, but not until June and Riggs had eaten a sufficient lunch. The teams took hours to make sure June was absolutely pristine, free of blemishes, and looking stunning in her red and black dress. Her make-up had to be perfect, everything had to be perfectly in place. It was tedious, but it was far better than being dead.
They'd had plenty to talk about while they ate, but June was itching to talk to Riggs for real, without all the press and Capitolites around them. Wanted to know what he really thought. Eventually she'd get the chance. But not now, as they had just arrived and now it was time to please the crowd.
Jovia and Demetrius lead the way, linking arms, and June and Riggs followed. Gian and Vale were close behind them. June was sure he would have rather held Gian's arm than have June here holding his, but this was how they were told to enter. June was glad to have a friend by her side. She didn't know what tonight would hold, but she had a good support system behind her.
Riggs and June, as co-Victors, had the first dance to commence the festivities, and after that it was like the pre-Games party all over again, but tonight the attention was focused on just two, not twenty-four. June had many, many people ask her to dance, and for the first few she had no excuse to say no, that was until Vale found her and kept the older men away from her. She did grace him with a dance, though. And when she said grace, she meant it, because Vale had two left feet. He was terrible.
When younger men approached, he gave her a look to decide before making a choice. There were a few good choices, but she refused them all. She didn't want to dance with any of them.
When Prentice asked her to dance with him, she said yes. The music was quite lively and what was the harm in just one? Prentice wasn't a good dancer, and June had to lead him, but he could certainly pretend he was good. They spent half of the dance bickering about who was stepping on whose toes (and whose fault it was) and half laughing because of how ridiculous their bickering was. June hadn't felt this close to someone in a long time. It was a thought that excited her.
And terrified her.
After their first dance, the song slowed down like crazy. All around her, couples were coming closer, smiling up at each other in a way that disgusted June, and made her crazy jealous.
"Well, that was fun," she said, turning around to leave, but Prentice grabbed her shoulder. "June, wait. Please, may I have this dance?"
June felt her entire body freeze at the question. What the hell was he saying!? This... She... This was... This was... This was a couple's dance. He asked the question way too seriously to be true.
June saw Riggs and Gian, smiling at each other as their foreheads touched, looking into each other's eyes. Getting close to someone was such a big risk. June remembered what Lux said about the serum that was apparently pumped into them. She wanted to dance with Prentice...
"June?"
She quickly slid out of his grasp and ran, ran as fast as she could away from there. She didn't know where she was going, but she had to get away. She didn't want to hear the romantic slow mush, she didn't want to be in that room anymore. Tears prickled at her eyes, and June wasn't even sure why she was crying. She surely had no reason to.
She stopped when she got into the library, which was practically empty. She collapsed at a table and panted, wheezed as tears came pouring out of her eyes. She wasn't sure why she felt this way, but she couldn't stop the tears.
She buried her face in her hands, not giving a damn what was going to happen to her make-up. She hadn't been able to shed a single tear for any of them, and now she's sitting in the library and sobbing because a boy asked her to dance at a party. God.
She heard footsteps that she recognized and when she looked up, he was there. Dammit, why is he here?! June thought angrily. She didn't want him to see her like this.
"There you are!" he said, hurrying to her side. "Are you alright?"
"I'm just fine," she snapped, curling into herself. Why was she acting like this?!
"June, I'm really sorry if I said something, o-or did anything to upset you-"
"You're chasing the girlfriend of a tribute that died under your mentorship!" she snapped at him again, sobbing quietly. "How could you do that?!"
Prentice softened at that. "June, I-"
"I just talked in memory of him and tonight you're going to ask me to dance?" she stared up at him with fiery eyes. "To dance to the couples' dance?"
Prentice took a small step away from her, giving her some more space. "I'm sorry," he said quietly. "I don't know what came over me." June was quiet, but she couldn't help this feeling of anger that was pulsing in her. "You... It just seemed like... Maybe there was something there..." he said quietly.
"Still," she said, sniffling. She didn't want him to see her dribbling snot everywhere.
"I'm sorry... I just thought that you guys were done and just acting for the cameras."
"We... That's what it was."
"If that's all it was, you wouldn't be here."
June sniffled and balled her hands into fists. "That would be great for my public image. Girl That Cheated On Boyfriend That Was Accused of Cheating With His Mentor is Now Dating His Mentor. Really proves that the scandal is true."
"It's not."
"That's not what the tabloids will say. They're waiting to pounce on this whole us thing."
Prentice was quiet. "I'm so sorry. But... I have to know if you like me too June. Honestly. You and I... We're kind of hot and cold. Sometimes I think that we have something, and then... You push me away." He sighed quietly. "I just have to know. And if the answer is no, that's okay. I just... have to know the truth."
June looked up at the boy that was standing in front of her and suddenly realized why she was feeling how she was. And it was for many reasons.
She sniffled and squeezed more tears out of her eyes. "I'm sorry. It's not fair that I keep shutting you out..." She patted at her cheeks. "Every time I feel like I'm getting close to you, it just... Feels like I'm cheating on him all over again."
"Why?" Prentice creased his eyebrow. "If you were over and separated, just acting, and now he's..."
"Stop. I know that. The Capitol just put some crazy steroids in our systems before the Games, and I guess that's messing with my feelings."
Prentice's face fell, and June felt terrible for making him look that sad. "Oh."
"It's... Not your fault, Prentice. Honest. I just..." she sighed. "Serum aside... I'm a cheater. I act tough but I'm a scared girl. Y... You haven't seen that side of me, because..." June sniffled, and felt heat flush to her cheeks. "I was afraid if you saw who I really was, you'd leave, and stop caring, and I would just... Lose you. I didn't want to lose you because... I like you." She hated admitting it to his face.
Prentice wasn't smug, though. His face was soft. "You don't have to pretend anymore," he said quietly. "We all pretend to be stronger than we are. You're not alone." June sniffled and felt more tears come to her eyes.
"The answer to your question is... Yes," June said, sniffling and walking over to him. "But... I'm six months out of a death match, and I'm full of feelings that I don't understand and... I just really need you as a friend right now." She slid her arms under his to hug him around the middle. "I think we both need time before we take off with this," she said quietly, glancing at the light, sparse hickeys that were still on his neck.
"I have to fix myself," he said quietly. "You're right. I think... We both need time." He hugged her back tightly, though. It was comforting. "We need to be real with each other as friends."
June smiled slightly. "Let's give it a year or two. Then we'll reconvene, how about that?"
Prentice nodded. "Yeah. I would like that."
June's smile grew when she saw him smiling down at her. "Hey, what's on your tux?"
When Prentice glanced down in confusion, June stood slightly on her tiptoes and gave him a, gentle kiss on the lips, which he returned softly. It didn't last long, but it was worth it to see how dumbfounded Prentice looked. But smitten.
"Come on, let's get back to the fun. I hear they're bringing out the desert table now."
Before Prentice could remember how to form words, June was dashing to the ballroom, Prentice close behind her.
~.~.
-Cupid Demetriou-Lawrence, 28 Head Scientist-
Cupid was in the lab when he got the phone call he had been dreading.
One of the Capitol's top producers of fragrances wanted to buy the Q-serum. The Capitolites had been demanding the source of the tributes' romantic and sexual drive for so long that Cupid knew it was only a matter of time before someone would want to capitalize on the opportunity.
What they didn't realize was just how devastating this stupid Q-serum really was. They didn't see what it did to people. They didn't realize that tinkering with people emotions would have such an impact on their lives. They would never realize that the Q-serum was the biggest mistake of Cupid's life.
Now, it was popularized. The Capitol masses wanted a taste for themselves, they wanted to live in the pleasure of having an increased sex drive, increasing their romantic attractions... They thought it was a sweet and romantic thing, they didn't realize just how damaging it could be.
Cupid refused to sell it. He refused to let anyone as much as try to replicate it in the lab. He had it kept in a high security area. He couldn't allow his people to manipulate themselves: and each other: with the Q-serum. They would consider it a play toy, a love potion they could use to change someone's feelings. While it wasn't that powerful, and while it couldn't affect someone simply by being consumed (after all, it was a steroid), it was still a weapon that Cupid didn't want anyone else to have.
He wished he could reverse it. He had been spending so many late nights in the lab, so many that Numitor had started to worry about him. He had tried and failed, tried and failed, tried and failed. Nothing he could make was stable enough to have any impact.
The worst part was that he had knowingly injected it into the bloodstream of another person, another person that didn't deserve it. He had knowingly used his science to manipulate another person for his favor...
And that was exactly what he had promised Numitor he wouldn't do. He promised his step-son that he would be honest, and he broke that promise.
But he had just gotten Numitor to trust him, to open up to him. He wanted to be the father of Numitor, Aristotle, and Trixie. He had finally realized what was most important to him. He finally felt ready to take on these three rambunctious orphans and give them a home. It was what Leviticus would have wanted for him to do. He makes them happy, and now they make him happy too. He's so proud of them.
He was proud of Numitor for going to District Eight by himself to attend Semper's funeral. Now, Numitor was finally picking himself up, and continuing to live. He had played in his school's winter concert, and though he was on third trumpet, Cupid was still so proud of him. He was trying to make the best of himself, and that was what Semper would have wanted. Cupid and Numitor, they were picking themselves up. They were finally a family. Cupid had never had a family before. He was an orphan that made himself by stepping on everyone else's feet until he was at the front of the crowd. He never knew what it was like to have a shit day and come home to three kids that really adored him. He wouldn't trade them for the entire world.
However, this monster that was the Q-serum was tearing him apart. There was nothing he could do to reverse it, and there was nothing he could do to change the lives that it ruined. He wished that he had never made it. He wished that he had never used it to gain power. He wished that he would have failed. Maybe then he could have realized the value of the kids without being stuck in this pit of guilt.
He just hoped that now he could set things right. If he just told the truth, maybe they could all just move on. He would much rather tell Numitor now than have him figure out later on his own. The kid was so observant and bright, there was no way he was not going to find out some way or another.
After Cupid put Trixie and Aristotle to bed, he made some hot chocolate. Hopefully having something sweet would make Numitor more subdued. Cupid still didn't know the first thing about parenting, but he was really trying. He started with the basic questions: how was school, how are you feeling, don't forget you have counselling tomorrow after school.
"You're acting strange. Q... Are you alright?"
Cupid felt himself tense up, heart pounding. He couldn't sidestep it anymore. "Numitor, I have something to tell you."
Numitor frowned, clearly realizing it wasn't going to be good news.
"I... May have lied. About something important."
Numitor's face contorted. "What?"
"When I first agreed to be a Head Scientist." He sighed. "I was responsible for the steroids that were injected into the tributes to fulfill the twist." Numitor's face scrunched up. He hated to be reminded of it, Cupid knew. Cupid hated thinking about it too. "I'm so sorry Tor..." Cupid said quietly. God, he didn't want to tell him. He just felt so awful. He hated failing his children. And he had definitely failed, hard.
"What did you do?" Numitor asked, his eyes becoming glassy. "Please..."
"Before the Games... I promised you that I was going to be honest, not manipulate anyone." Cupid stared at the table. "It was a lie."
Numitor was silent. That was a bad sign, very bad sign. "You promised," he said quietly.
"You have to understand Numitor, I was taking a risky job, I just wanted to stay on everyone's good side... I gave Lux the serum. I wanted him to stay enamored with me so that my life would be safe."
"And now he's miserable, because you haven't found a cure."
Cupid shut his mouth. God, this kid was too smart.
"What about the escorts. And the mentors? What about them!?"
"None of them. The Q-serum didn't even come near the mentors or the escorts. They weren't injected."
"That had better be the truth."
It was. It really was. Cupid was tired of lying. He just tried to find the right words. "Please Numi, just stay calm. I feel awful about this, and I wanted to be the one to tell you. I know I was wrong. I'm trying to fix my mistakes."
"You promised me!" Numitor said, tears filling his eyes. Angry tears. This wasn't the first time he'd gotten angry at Cupid. "You promised!"
"I know I promised, and I broke it, and your trust. And I am so sorry, but please-"
"You really did break my trust. You broke my trust big. All that time I confided in you because I thought you really cared. That you cared enough to be honest with me. But you didn't."
"I do care, Numitor. I care about all of you."
"You care about the ones that are young and cute, perfect little dolls. What about me?! What about this broken person!?"
"Of course I care about you. Numitor, I promise you I will never lie or break a promise to you again-"
"Too late to make promises. You have a bad track record with them."
Numitor got off the table and ran for the front door, grabbing his coat and the key to his father's apartment before Cupid could stop him. Cupid buried his face in his hands numbly. This was all his fault...
Numitor wouldn't talk to him, or come back, until he was ready. Cupid pulled out his phone to text the first person that would keep Numitor safe.
.
The first text on Anakyn's phone read this way:
Anakyn, it's Cupid. I know you don't care much about me, but I know you care about Numi. He really needs you right now. He's at Lev's apartment. I fucked up badly.
The second:
Ani, it's Numi. I want on the first train to District Eight and as soon as I get home, I'm joining your cause.
~.~.
A/N: The plot thickens. There's only one more chapter of this story left! Gosh, I'm going to be so sappy next chapter.
Anyways, here's the six months later chapter! Hope you enjoyed it and it was worth the wait. I had a big dry spell, but tonight was an absolute flood.
Chapter Question: Are you aboard the future June/Prentice ship? Also, since a lot of WoF mentors were introduced here, which Victor(s) stood out in this chapter?
Hope you liked, I'll see you for the final chapter of this soon!
ALSO: WoF form is up, and so is the form for returning escorts! All escorts are welcome to return and I'd like to see many of them back and submersed one way or another in the subplot! So if you've got escorts and are still here reading, consider it!
That's it for real now. See ya soon!
