I watch my family walking to town square. All three were dressed head to toe in black. Rows of chairs are set up, and they take their respective seats in the front row. I stay close, never taking my eyes off of them. Another family of four takes their seats on the other side.
The rest of the District slowly shows up. All walk past both families, wishing their condolences. My mother simply nods, and my father waves them away. Cora's eyes are red and puffy. She hasn't stopped crying.
I'm still with my family. I use my old room as always. I hug and kiss them in the morning, night, and whenever they break down. Although they can't see me, I think they know I'm there. Especially Cora, who walks in my room everyday just to say hi.
Shortly after everyone is seated, Katniss and Peeta, along with their mentor, Haymitch Abernathy, and their escort, Effie Trinket, come and sit on stage with Mayor Pickertt. Right after, Mayor Pickertt steps up to the podium.
"Thank you all for coming." He sounds somber and defeated, like he does every year District Two doesn't win. "Please give a warm welcome to the winners of the 74th Annual Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark." The whole crowd claps, but it's not like when I first volunteered, which seems lifetimes ago. It's a polite clap. The message is clear. You killed our tributes. We don't want you here.
When the applause dies, Mayor Pickertt continues. "In honor of winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games, Ms. Everdeen and Mr. Mellark will now give speeches." The mayor sits down, and Katniss and Peeta quickly take their place.
They both look terrified. As if something bad might happen. Katniss begins. "Thank you for welcoming us to your District with such warmth." Yep. Definitely staged. "We are honored to be here."
Peeta continues. "Cato and Clove were both amazing." At this, both families begin to quietly sob. Cora however, holds nothing back. "They were amazing fighters, amazing tributes, amazing people."
Katniss takes the lead again. "They will both truly be missed, not only by you, but by us as well. Thank you." With that, they both walk off the stage and sit back down. Mayor Pickertt takes his spot back up at the podium.
"That will conclude today's ceremony." The anthem began to play, and my family and I head back home.
As everyone shifts in their seats, I look around. Brutus began to leave, popping some pills in the process. I notice some people from school as well. They don't seem nearly as sad. The kids were never sad when a tribute died. Probably because they've grown to accept it. Grown used to it. I shudder at the thought. How could anyone ever be used to it. How could I have ever been used to it?
Nothing will ever be the same for my family again. I hear my mother break down sobbing in the middle of the night, whispering my name. My father does nothing to ease it, but I've seen him when he thinks he's alone. He goes out in the backyard and beats up the dummies. I think he blames himself. He forced me to volunteer. He thinks I would still be here if it wasn't for him.
But nothing is harder to watch then Cora. Cora, who breaks down crying during dinner. Cora, who consistently asks my parents "why Cato didn't keep his promise." Cora, the baby sister I let down. And it eats me up inside.
There's talk around the district that a rebellion may start soon. That Katniss and Peeta's double win could spark something within the other districts. I hear talk when I go shopping with my mom. Things like "how ungrateful can they be?" and "they'll put them in their place just like last time."
I for one, hope they're wrong.