I'm so happy people are enjoying this story as much as I am enjoying writing it. Sorry for the delay. Finals week is approaching soon, so I've been swamped with books. Now here comes the hard part for me. I apologize for the short chapter but I promise a longer chapter next time. Enjoy!

Chapter 5:

The Return

The crowning was one of the most painful things I had to watch. Katniss didn't smile, laugh, or acknowledge anything that was happening to her. It was like my sister was a puppet for the capitol. A ready pawn for them to play with that already had the crowd's devotion. She was beautiful though. All dolled up with the golden crown on her head as she waved to the capitol. That girl was not my sister. Where did my Kit-Kat go?

I couldn't watch the ongoing celebrations. The end of games interview with the recap turned my stomach. The crowning left me sick. The well-wishing from the people of the capitol was hard to comprehend. They cheered for her to murder, to end the lives of others. Then congratulate her on a job well done, showering her with riches and praise. How could Katniss stand it? I would have hidden away long ago, not wanting anything else to do with the capitol's wishes. Why did she give in so easily to their demands?

It was two days later when she returned, coming off the train to the cheers of District 12. I spotted Peeta in the crowd, standing next to his parents and brothers. I knew he was happier than most about her return. I wished him luck in winning her heart, even if my own shattered at the prospect. Katniss needed goodness in her life after these games. If Peeta could give it to her, I would do everything in my power to help him win her affections.

I turn to hear Prim shouting and waving her hands frantically, trying to get Katniss's attention. I laugh at Prim's antics, wondering how she could maintain her childlike enthusiasm after all these years. Gale had hoisted her onto his shoulders, allowing Primrose to be easily spotted by Katniss when she looked for us in the crowd. I catch a glimpse of Katniss exiting the train doors, flanked by Haymitch and the pink haired capitol woman. Her lack of expression frightens me. What had happened to cause her to be in such a state?

The cheers from the people around me interrupt my thoughts. The crowd was cheering Katniss's name. I could understand why. She was our first female victor, a celebrity in their eyes. I crane my neck to glance over the shoulders in front of me, finally managing to catch Katniss's attention. She gazes blankly at me, her lack of emotion shaking me to the core. I lick my lips before mouthing one word. Kit-Kat.

That seems to wake her up, a sad smile spreading across her lips at my nickname for her. I nod and dart my eyes to the side, indicating I will head over to the steps of the train platform to meet her. I catch the faintest nod from her as if to say she understood. I smile and wave before grabbing Gale's arm to get his attention.

He turns his head, looking at me questionably. "Goldilocks, whats up?"

I roll my eyes, wondering if he really is that dense at times. "I'm heading over to the steps to meet Katniss. Come on." I tug at his arm before continuing. "Bring Prim. I will get mother." He nods in acknowledgement before placing Prim on the ground. I shake my mother out of her stupor, knowing I will most likely have to drag her through the crowd. She hadn't fully awoken from the catatonic state she had drifted into after Katniss's reaping. I would have felt bad if this had been the first time. It wasn't. She had done this once before when dad died.

Mother just stares at me, almost as if she couldn't quite see me. I resist the urge to yell at her before stating. "Come on. We are going to meet Katniss." I don't wait for a reply as I grab her hand and drag her through the crowd. I push and shove my way to the outer edge of the crowd, spotting Gale and Prim standing near the steps. I wave at them, hoping they can see Mother and me. With one last push, we are free.

I let go of Mother's hand as I rush over to where Prim is waiting impatiently. I trusted Mother to manage to walk the last few steps over to where we are. She wasn't an invalid and I refused to baby her longer than necessary. I was sick of her behavior, the moping around the house and staring off into space. It was a miracle I hadn't hit her yet. I still loved my mother despite my disgust at the state she allowed herself to reach.

I take Prim's hand in mine as I turn to face the steps, knowing the capitol woman had to be done with her welcome speech soon. I roll my eyes at her giggles, wondering how Haymitch could stand being around the pink-haired woman every year. Then again, he was drunk most of the time. I suspected that had something to do with it. I smile as I hear the capitol woman finish her speech, knowing Katniss will be heading over to us shortly.

A true smile graces my face as I catch sight of Katniss at the top of the stairs. I have to restrain Prim from launching herself at Kit-Kat, knowing she would knock over our sister easily. Katniss was wearing a beautiful pink dress with heels, wobbling down the steps in her earnest to get to us. I let go of Prim's hand as Katniss reaches the bottom step, laughing as she still manages to tackle Katniss to the ground with the force of her hug. I can tell Katniss isn't complaining. Her laughter and tears tell me all I need to know. She was happy to see us too.

I walk slowly up to my hugging sisters, my whole body shaking with the urge to join them. Katniss looks up at me through Prim's braids, a happy smile on her face despite the sadness in her eyes. I cover my mouth as my own tears start to fall, recognizing that my sister was no longer able to hide behind her own ignorance. She had grown and matured over the last several weeks in the capitol. Her eyes had been opened to the horrors the capitol made us watch each year and she had attributed to it. My sister's worst fear had come true. She had allowed the capitol to change her.

I launch myself into her arms, burying my head into her shoulder to muffle my own sobs. I feel her hand stroking my hair, her gentle whispers of reassurance making my sobs grow in strength. My whole body shakes in her arms, the pain from my newly found knowledge getting to me. I should be comforting Katniss, not the other way around. I just didn't have the strength to.

Along with the sadness I had seen in her eyes, something else had been there too. Something that frightened me down to the bone, making me fear for my sister's sanity. Her innocence was gone, replaced by a feeling that I had only seen in one other person's eyes. Haymitch had the same look in his eyes as Katniss did now. They had completely lost any remorse for others.

Murder could do that to you.