The sound of soft humming filled the air as Wiress polished the hand-held unit that measured the various minerals in the rocks of District Two. Her humming was interrupted by a knock on the door. "Carpenter and Tesla. I will accompany you to the Justice Building." A Peacekeeper said gruffly. Placing the unit in a small cloth bag, Wiress stood up shakily. Beetee came to her side and took her hand.
"We're ready." Beetee announced.
"Let's go." The Peacekeeper walked the two inventors to the Justice Building where Brutus would address the crowd. Beetee winced as Wiress' fingernails dug into his skin.
"Wiress -" Beetee gasped. "Your fingers." Closing her eyes briefly, Wiress allowed a small whimper to escape. "Hey, we just have to do this and then go back to the shed."
"Humph." The Peacekeeper grunted. "You two are the only victors who live in a shed, did you know that?" Resisting the urge to glare at him, Beetee said nothing and continued walking down the sidewalk with Wiress in tow.
"And now, the Victors of District Three will present you with a gift for District Two!" Olivia the new escort trilled on stage. Smiling at the two inventors, she beckoned for Wiress and Beetee to come forward.
"This is a mineral analyzer." Wiress explained placing her invention in Brutus' large thick hands. "The electrodes are placed on the rock and can measure the mineral composition based on -"
"Based on the voltage readings." Beetee finished before Wiress hastily stepped back from the burly Victor.
"Thanks." Brutus grunted before shoving the machine unceremoniously into his escort's hands. "Happy Hunger Games, District Three!" He roared into the microphone to scattered applause. Muttering about a puny district stuck between the Career districts, he marched off stage with his escort.
"Now, there is an additional reason we invited Mr. Beetee Tesla and Miss Wiress Carpenter to take the stage during this Victory Tour!" Olivia squealed into the microphone. This is new. Beetee thought frantically. He bit his lip to keep from crying out in pain as Wiress wrapped his hand in a bone-crushing grip. "Miss Carpenter has been working hard to learn all about engineering and has invented some lovely pieces for the citizens of Panem!" Yeah, the Capitol citizens of Panem, Beetee seethed. "Therefore, she and Beetee have not been able to mentor! Well, we are pleased to announce that they will once again accompany your tributes to the Capitol! Now, isn't that exciting?" The citizens applauded out of obligation seconds before Olivia escorted a stone-faced Beetee and a trembling Wiress off the stage.
"Wiress? Wiress, look at me. Look. At. Me." Beetee pleaded grasping the young lady's shoulders. Fear-filled large eyes met his. "They will not hurt you again." Picking her up, Beetee carried her away from the stage.
"Mr. Tesla! Come back!" Olivia cried. "We wish for you to join us at the Mayor's house!"
"Wiress is sick! Stomach bug." Beetee called quickly before nearly running with her back to the shed. "Wiress. Wiress." He whispered as he lay her on her bed. "You need to stay with me. Stay with us, ok?" She slowly blinked before curling into a ball. Beetee covered her with her blankets before rubbing her back slowly. Holding her hand, he reminded her of the inventions she submitted to the patent office over the past two years. "Don't slip away, Wiress. Don't let them win." He whispered. "You're stronger than they want to believe. Don't let them win. I'm right here with you." A tear slid down Beetee's cheek as he gazed into the sad pale face - into large sorrow filled eyes that had seen too much in eighteen short years. "Wiress, I am here for you. I love you."