The First Annual Hunger Games

by Callidora Medea

Following the Dark Days, the President of Panem announces the beginning of the Hunger Games. District 4 girl, Cass, District 1 girl, Silver, and District 7 girl, Oak, are all thrown into the turmoil that is the first Hunger Games, and must choose their alliances; decisions that can mean life or death in the arena. All intend to win. But there can be only one victor.

54. Chapter 54- Returning Home

Chapter 54- Silver Bellcreek

The scenery outside flashes by as I sit by the window of the train. Trees, trees, a lake, and more trees. I haven't spoken since we left the Capitol and I know Cordia is a bit worried about me. She's too self-absorbed to be too upset, though.

After I woke up at the window last night I couldn't get back to sleep. I was having such a terrible nightmare, with Violet and Curia turning into a wolf and tearing Violet's head off. I woke up sobbing and shaking. Violet. She's going to haunt me for the rest of my life.

It's not even a day's journey back to District 1, and soon the sights outside the train window turn to the familiar sights of home. Home. I made it.

The train slows to a stop once we reach the station. At last. I'm home. Cordia gives me a smile.

"Welcome home, Silver. Congratulations!"

I ignore her and run to the doors of the train. Cordia fusses after me, telling me that it will be televised and I should be a little less eager. Less eager? My whole family must be waiting for me. I am more eager than I've ever been in my whole life.

Finally, finally, the doors open, and there standing on the platform, waiting for me is my family. My mother has tears in her eyes, my father is standing with the proudest look I've ever seen. Shine and Glint are happy too, but less certain.

Stepping off the train, I throw myself into my mother's arms and burst into tears. "Mother, mother," I sob, and she holds me tightly. My father's arms wrap around us both and I am safe and secure. The nightmares can't hurt me here. Not between my parents.

When my mother's tears drip onto my head she lets me go and grabs my face instead.

"I am so very proud of you, Silver. Well done. You did yourself proud and brought honor to your District."

I smile weakly at her and turn instead to Shine and Glint. Their hugs are tentative, but I treasure them. Then Shine's hug reminds me of the hug that Violet gave me the last day of the Games, and I almost begin to cry.

Then someone taps me on the shoulder. I turn around and Flaire is standing there. Flaire. We look at each other in shock, then I throw myself at her and we hug so tightly that I think I will never let go.

She whispers in my ear, "Thank you."

And just like that the Games were worth it. Worth it to save my friend. Even if the nightmares won't go away.