The tour through the Districts felt like it might as well have been around the world. Then again, to be separated from Sam after growing so used to having her safely in my arms at night, no matter how long or how far, would make it feel like she was a world away. At home, I rarely let her out of my sight. We both knew the shit was going to hit the fan within the next six months, and I'll be damned if I waste any of that time.

Districts Ten and Eleven were bearable, but that was only because I saw Ben and Fish again and was even allowed to speak with them. Although they were victor by definition, they didn't get a part of the victor's spoils or have anything to do with this tour. I was the official victor. That was the Capitol's story, and they were firmly sticking to it.

I hated having to recite the same damn speech to the people of every District. All that registered were the looks on their faces and the condescending thoughts they had about me.

Did I really know what they thought of me? No. But my mind was more than easily convinced by a few evil looks that may not have even existed to begin with.

I was on edge all the time now. Just knowing I was running out of time before the Capitol had it's revenge on me was enough to very nearly drive me completely crazy. The only thing that had kept me sane was falling asleep with Sam in my arms every night, and right now, even that had been taken from me. I don't know what was keeping me sane now, but anyone around me could tell it was quickly losing it's hold over my sanity.

There was a distinct rush to get through the last few Districts as I started lashing out more and more. I didn't hurt anyone, but I knew my eye's were starting to turn green at the stupidest of things. While I didn't do anything drastic, it was more than enough to remind people of the power I had when I wanted to use it.

Where the hell was the Box Ghost when you actually needed him? Misplaced aggression wouldn't solve all my problems, but it would help me keep my temper in check around all these people, at least enough for them not to have a reason to act afraid of me.

Finally, we started heading back to District 12 and the closer we got, the more agreeable I became on that last leg back.

There was an odd rumor floating about the train during the trip between 11 and 12. There was something about a 13th District being built up somewhere in the wilderness. No one knew anything substantial about it, but they all said the Capitol was building it to help with a resource shortage. I didn't know how they planned to fill it with people when they were done, but I knew it would either be with death threats and force or the promise of first class life for volunteers.

The first option seemed more likely.

The people running about the train said something several times, but no one would spill any more information about it when they were asked. I only knew about the resource theory from a little bit of… eh… research. Sadly, they'd caught on to me rather quickly and suddenly, there were ghost shields around every room. I could only enter through human means and, naturally, most conversations were cut off when I did.

The last speech was over, the last friendly dinner had been eaten, and I could finally go home. I could finally see Sam and regain my lost sanity. I didn't go to my home in the Victor's Village, I knew everyone I actually cared to see would be at my parents' home waiting for me to return.

I lived in the Victor's Village now even though it was farther away from the Fenton Portal. I had farther to go in order to get back to bed in the dead of night after sending some idiot back to the Ghost Zone, but it drew the ghosts away from the majority of the population when they went looking for me. I was in the outskirts of the District now rather than being in the middle of it.

The months moved by, coming closer and closer to the time of the next round of Hunger Games. Two moths before the Games, an announcement was made.

"There have been rumors spreading around the Capitol that the three victors of last year's games are at odds with one another as to who really deserves the honor and glory of winning the Hunger Games." Warning, bullshit alert. There was no honor in winning for us, it was just survival and we sure as hell didn't give a damn if we had to share the "glory" of winning the Games. The announcer continued with the fabricated story. "In order to remedy this and give glory where glory is due, the three victors of last year's Games will be entering the arena again to battle it out for the crown once and for all."

I didn't bother sticking around for the rest of the broadcast. I took to the sky, trying to clear my head. I knew I could win again easily, but to be forced to kill again? I didn't know if I could do it.

More importantly, could I really afford to leave my town again? Sure, mom and dad had gotten better at hunting, but they couldn't quite take up the slack on their own if I left. Even with Sam, Tucker, and Jazz, they'd still have a hard time keeping the ghosts where they belong.

Sam found me sitting on the roof of the school an hour later.

"You okay?" She sat beside me and held my hand in hers.

"Yeah." I didn't look her in the eyes, I couldn't do it right now when I was lying. I wasn't okay, not by a long shot. "How did you find me?"

"How many times have you brought me out here?" She smirked. We'd been here a lot lately, it was the second highest point in the District and I'd told her the view helps to clear my head when the flight alone doesn't. "It'll be okay Danny."

I wrapped my arms around her tightly and didn't want to let go until the sun finally rose and she was fast asleep in my arms.

YAY FOR SEQUELS! :D

And before I get any questions about the District 13 thing, when I said this was before the actual HG series in the first part, I meant WAY before it. :)

Comments and feedback are as welcome as always!

Invisible One