Chapter 18:

I stare out the window at the passing fields. I would be at home in a couple hours. I sigh, thinking about home. I had left there with Kendall and now I'm returning without him. His death is the reason I'm alive and returning.

I walk about of my room to go to the dining car; I can't sit by myself any longer. I walk in and see Stefan sitting at the table with an empty plate in front of him.

"Hey, what's up?" I say as I take the seat across from him and start piling food on my plate.

"Not much," he responds. "I was just thinking about the first time that I returned from the Capitol thirteen years ago. I was only 14, yet I had just been crowned victor. 14, and already I had killed people. I didn't know what to expect from being a victor. But I realized it was horrible after mentoring kids, some who were older than me, and watching them die. But then you and Kendall came along, and I thought for the first time in years that maybe I wouldn't go back to 7 alone. And I'm glad that you won. I feel that if I went a few more years with no fellow victor, I might lose myself to alcohol or something worse. So thanks for saving me from a horrible future."

I'm shocked at this side of Stefan. I've never seen him reveal this side of him. "Is it really that bad mentoring kids?" I ask quietly. This is going to be my life soon, mentoring kids to go into the arena and most likely die.

"Just don't get your hopes up that there will always be a victor from 7. You'll just end up disappointing yourself more." After that, we sit in silence for a while as I eat my food. The train starts to slow down, and I start getting nervous about seeing everyone. Will the stay away from me now, having seen me ruthlessly kill people? Or will they still love me like they did before the games? And then there's Kendall's funeral to have...

I stand up to walk to the door once the train comes to a stop. Stefan stands next to me and puts his arm around me. "Don't worry about anything for now. You're still the star."

I smile at him and the door opens. I vaguely see the camera crew, but I'm completely focused on James, Chris, and all my friends waiting for me. I run forward to James and give him a big hug, not wanting to let go. "James, I've missed you so much! You don't know how much I've needed you in the past few days," I say quietly to him, not wanting the cameras to hear me.

I pull away from him and notice that he is starting to cry. "I'm just so glad that you made it back, Lauren. I wouldn't have been able to live without you and Kendall." I smile at him, telling him with my eyes that we would have to finish this conversation later, away from the cameras.

My waist is encased in a tight hug from Rosalinda then. "Lauren you were so great in the games! And you looked so pretty dressed up all fancy!" She starts to begin speaking more, but I stop her.

"Rosalinda, we'll have plenty of time to talk later about everything," I say with a smile. She's so cute and innocent, and I'm glad I volunteered for her. She has so much to look forward to in life.

After I stop hugging Rosalinda, I look up and see Alessandra. She is standing there smiling at me, and I hug her. I've really missed my best friend while I've been gone. "I'm so happy to see you back, Lauren. I was scared I was going to lose one of my best friends. But you pulled through, and survived."

"I've missed you too," I respond. "Besides, I had to come back. Who else would help you look after this little hooligan?" I say as I ruffle Rosalinda's hair and smile.

But then I see Chris. He is standing there with the biggest smile ever on his face. I run straight to his arms and he spins me around. He sets me down and gives me a passionate kiss. He pulls away after a minute. "Lauren, I love you so much. I seriously don't know what I would have done if you didn't make it back."

I'm starting to cry happy tears, and I can barely speak. "I love you too," I say in a whisper. I hug him again, savoring the moment of being in his arms. But we have to separate eventually because a car is waiting to take me to my new house. My house in the Victor's Village.

I get into the car with James and Chris, never letting go of Chris' hand. It's a short car ride to the Victor's Village. We arrive and get out of the car. I'm staring in awe at the house, hardly believing that it's mine. It's never been used, like most of the houses. Only a few have been used.

We walk inside, beginning a brand new part of my life. My life as a victor.