I watch as the wealth as our country increases. It starts poor in District 12, the mining District. They stared at me as I delivered my speech, a speech Finnick wrote for me. The family of the dead tributes stood at the front, right in my eye line. For the first few Districts, it disturbed me, but I guess it's because I never knew the tributes and it was the fault of the government that their children died. Taking the tesserae to feed their families and the chance increasing for being chosen; it's almost like volunteering but it's not as obvious.
The journeys to each District have been just bearable. I wish it were just Finnick and I, but of course, Aelia joins us, which I hate, and Horatio, which I am quite grateful for, and the prep team, which is neither here nor there. Finnick and I don't show affection when we are together in front of the others, we can't. After what Aelia said last time, I don't want her to claw my eyes out with her perfectly manicured nails out of jealousy.
My favourite District was 7. It smelt nice, unlike most of the other Districts which smelt synthetic and industrial. District 7 reminded me of nature and being free. And, of course, I met last year's Victor, Johanna Mason. At first, I was scared of her. She seemed too over the top and not particularly friendly, but, when she said something that reminded me of the boy and I broke down, she knew what to do. When I recovered, we talked and she completely understood everything I was saying. I hope I get to see her again soon.
And now, as I stand in front of the family of the beast from District 1 and deliver my speech, I wish she were here to give me her words of wisdom. The crisp white sparkling paper trembles in my hands. His family are the spitting image of him. His father, strong and brutal with eyes the colour of the sky. He would almost be identical but he has blonde hair, not the shade of coal the beast had. He has a sister and a brother. She is older than I, maybe twenty years old. His brother is blonde like their father, as is the eldest of the family, probably twenty-five years old.
I feel the sister's eyes bore into my soul. I look across the massive crowd gathered in District's town square, but they all have the same look as her. I stop for a moment and breathe deep. They can't do anything. I am safe up on this stage, surrounded by Peacekeepers, the Mayor, Aelia and Finnick.
"And thank you, District 1," I say, shakily and slowly. "Without the support of your tributes, I would not be standing here."
I swallow hard and step away from the microphone, trying to pull the short dress lower to cover myself. They all stare at me, particularly his family. I know they have to seem joyous, but the Mayors daughter and a top Career died for me, a stupid girl who flirted her way to victory. I don't deserve to live.
