Sheila Carwell, District Seven Victor
"Wake up, sleepy-head! Today is an important day for you!" A loud, chipper voice rang in Sheila's ear. She knew that voice. It was the same voice who called her name for the Reaping and the same voice who woke her up when the Games began two weeks ago. She looked up from her bed and saw the purple pink-ish escort named Berry Punch standing beside her. Sheila covered her head with the pillow. It wasn't even nine o'clock yet! The only time she got up before nine was for school and while in the forest for the Games. Berry grabbed the pillow from Sheila's head and threw it on the other side. "Wake up now! We have the train scheduled for ten o'clock. You can sleep on your ride home."
Your ride home. The words Berry just spoke sounded like a dream in Sheila's ears. She never thought she would see the trees of 7 again, nor would she see her brother and parents again. The words motivated her to throw off the plush covers and be greeted with the chilly air. During the summer, the Capitol always keep their homes and apartments at a sixty-two degrees, max. Sometimes, Sheila wishes she could ask a normal Capitol person why they do such silly things, like dye their skin and enjoy watching people die for fun. Berry Punch flounced out of the room, saying that breakfast is ready and there will be a crowd at the train station. Great. More cameras to be shoved in Sheila's face.
She shuffled her way to the dresser, which contained a set of clothes for her to wear. Karina already explained that Sheila will wear this set on her way to 7 and, when they are an hour from arriving, she will change into her dress clothes for the occasion. The victor arriving home is always televised. In past years, Sheila loved to watch how shocked and surprised the victors are when they arrive back in their home district. When they got off the train, they'd run into the arms of their families and friends. Sheila knew what she'd do when she got off the train: run to Jacob and try to pick him from the ground. She tore herself from the daydream and placed on a set of clothes. A brown shirt with the faded District 7 seal and jeans that hugged her legs. Is this what every victor wears on their way home?
The smell of bacon and eggs wavered into her nose and she was drawn to the scent. She left her room, walking the long halls of the apartment, and reached the kitchen. Palma Nazer and Sinus Alba were already dressed and eating, preparing for the long trip back to their home. They must be tired of coming to the Capitol every year for the same reason: the possibility of a resident of their district about to die. She walked to the seat next to Sinus and grabbed a long strip of bacon. She placed it against her lips, the wonderous food touching her lips. She was glad to be out of that arena.
Sinus cleared her throat and Sheila looked to her mentor. She held a glass of orange juice in her hand, the straw twisting and turning. Her eyes always seemed to have an unreadable look to them, and today was no exception. It was a moment before Sinus spoke. "So Sheila. You ready to go home?" Her voice sounded clipped, like she didn't want to talk to her.
"Yes." Sheila replied, ignoring Sinus' tone. All she wanted was to go home to her Victor's Village house and enjoy her life away from the Capitol and their Games. She picked up a slice of French toast and put it on her plate. The table became quiet as they ate the meal before they boarded the train. Berry Punch tried breaking the silence by bringing up the weapon Sheila used to kill Caden, but no one wanted to jump in. It seemed that everyone had the same goal as Sheila, just to get home safely and stay in 7 until the Tour.
Sheila quietly cut her French toast into tiny squares. After fifteen days in the arena with not enough food to keep her full, she didn't feel like eating. Her thoughts kept flashing from now to her family, awaiting to see her in about a day. If only she lived closer to the Capitol so she can get home faster. She picked a piece of the toast and popped it in her mouth. The taste spilled in her mouth and she couldn't wait to get home. She looked over the table, looking at everyone's faces. Berry was cheerful as normal, Palma looked like a mix between happy and upset. She was the one who lost her tribute, Linden Ulmus. Palma would have to deal with the upset family, not Sinus. Sinus, however, looked bored with the breakfast.
Berry turned her head and look at the clock on the wall. She chugged down her orange juice then tapped on Sheila's shoulder. "We better hurry up. The whole Capitol is going to see you off in an hour. I bet you're really excited, huh?" She didn't even wait for Sheila's answer. She snapped her fingers and an Avox stood beside her. "Clean the tables and wash the dishes. Then, you need to clean all of the rooms. I'll be back in a few days." The Avox nodded. He walked to the table and collected Berry Punch's discarded plates. When the Avox reached Sheila, she stood up and walked towards Berry. Palma and Sinus met up with the newest victor.
"We better get going, Sheila." Palma whispered as she opened the door.
A quick drive later and Sheila was facing the train station, with several hundred Capitol citizens crowding the area ready to take pictures of the victor leaving for home. Palma and Sinus sat in front of her with Berry beside her. The whole way over here consisted of Berry talking about who will exit the car first. Sheila will exit last, while Berry, Sinus, and Palma are exiting before her. The tinted windows of the car didn't stop Sheila from looking out the windows, seeing the Capitol citizens snapping photos of the car and chatting with one another. What do Capitolites do all year when the Games aren't in season? Do they just sit at home and waste their lives away?
The car slowed to a stop and the driver put the car in park. Butterflies flew around Sheila's stomach. Ever since she heard the last cannon go off, she wanted this moment to come. And now it is here. She will be going home soon. Berry opened the door and she stepped out. Cameras flashed at her. She posed as she walked toward the train. Palma and Sinus stepped out together, earning a little round of applause. A man even whistled at Sinus. Palma turned her head slightly and Sheila got out of the car. The Capitol citizens snapped their cameras, clapped loudly, and screamed for her. The flashes began to blind her. She stumbled around until she got into the train.
Palma extended her hand and helped her walk up the stairs. Sheila leaned against the wall and rubbed her eyes. "Thank you, Plama. I thought I would fall over in front of them."
The elder victor let out a small laugh. "Yes, I did that when I won all those years ago." Sheila and Plama walked to the main car and sat in the cushy seats. Just sitting in the seats reminded Sheila of when she was first Reaped and sitting here next to Linden. The seat beside her was left open, and her mind filled that seat with Linden. She closed her eyes and, when she opened them, Linden wasn't there anymore. Sheila, calm down. He's not here anymore. The train jerked from the station and began to slowly gain speed. Sinus walked over and grabbed Sheila towards the windows. The citizens were waving good-bye to Sheila. They chanted her name as the train left the station for District 7. Sheila waved to a few citizens before the train completely departed.
The train was no longer in the beautiful city of the Capitol, and the nature took over the windows. Trees, real trees, greeted Sheila's eyes. She went to a chair to relax. She was really on her way home.
Jacob Carwell, Sheila's Brother
"And with the District Seven train departing the station, this year's Hunger Games are over. The victor, seventeen-year-old Sheila Carwell, is heading home and will be expected to be home tomorrow at ten." A Capitol newscaster said on the television Jacob was watching in his new Victor Village home. After years of living in a run down home and only dreaming of living in a home like this, he could barely believe that this house was his and his family's. After Sheila killed the boy from 2, his family was immediately given the key to the house. Then, the mayor handed them a suitcase full of money and told them the rest will be coming when Sheila comes home. Hence the reason why the whole house is covered in party stuff for Sheila's welcome home party.
He turned the television off and looked around the house. His parents were out, buying some chocolates from the bakery and spending the day together, something they haven't done since Jacob was born. Karrie Mylan, Sheila's best friend and Jacob's girlfriend, is out picking up more things for the party. So, he has the house to himself. But, something about the house made Jacob, feel uncomfortable. The house was rather large for only four members of the Carwell family. He decided to get out of the house and walk in the fresh summer air. It was much better than staying in that house all day waiting for everyone to come home.
The whole district seemed alive and buzzing with excitement for Sheila's return. Despite the fact that District 7 did lose one tribute along the way, Sheila did bring 'honor' to 7 and she made her family rich. Some people were planning on how to make Sheila 'donate' her money. A lot of people do that when a young victor comes in. They did that to the most recent victor, Sinus, when she won. But, Jacob knew the only place Sheila would use her money would be in the orphanage. Sheila has always told him and Rivet about how terrible she felt for the kids who don't have their parents. Sheila has always had a soft heart for everyone she met. That's why she wasn't an ideal tribute, but she won anyway.
Jacob's walk led him to the graveyard, which was guarded by two Peacekeepers. One of the Peacekeepers looked to Jacob and opened the gate. Ever since Sheila's win, everyone knows who Jacob is. Even Peacekeepers who are only here for business. He walked past the Peacekeepers and entered the graveyard. Linden's funeral took place here a few days ago, when Sheila was sleeping in the Capitol Hospital. Jacob only came because he was district partners with his sister, but he was the only one who didn't shed a tear. Then again, not a lot of people came anyway. His feet carried him to the western area of the graveyard, a place where he hasn't been in years.
Headstone after headstone, he was looking for a certain name. The names he passed meant nothing to him, and he didn't mind to stop to read them. Most headstones, since after the Dark Days, have causes of death engraved on them. Suddenly, under the summer sun, a name jumped out at him and a cause of death met his eyes: Rivet J. Carwell, Died in the 172nd Hunger Games. He hasn't seen this grave in over four years, and the appearance of the headstone made him shake. The stone was cracked and it was right over the 'R' in his first name. Jacob sat next to the stone and thought of something. His mother always told him talking to the stone was almost like talking to the dead person themselves. What should he say?
He cleared his throat and looked to Rivet's grave. "Hey, Riv. It's me, baby Jake." He recalled the nickname his brother gave him all those years ago. "I thought I would talk to you, only because, well... how do I put this? Sheila was Reaped into the Games. And, she won. She's coming home tomorrow and the whole district is celebrating in our Victor Village house. Karrie is out buying the food and our parents are having a night out together. Isn't that amazing? Our parents are finally spending time together..." His voice trailed off. What else could he tell his dead brother? "Well, Sheila was a great tribute. She beat a team from District Two on her own. She also mercy killed a boy from Four, and that is why a lot of Capitol citizens liked her."
He suddenly ran out of things to talk about. Rivet was never going to answer him, but it felt good to talk about things with someone else, even though the other person will never respond. A sob itched at the back of his throat. A tear slid down the side of his face. "Rivet, I really miss you. I love you." He touched the top of the headstone, wishing he could hug his brother for real.
Sheila Carwell, District Seven Victor
Sheila woke up to the train still moving and a TV turned on, blaring news about Sheila's trip home. She rubbed her eyes and looked at the clock on the side table; 7:12am. She was asleep for twelve hours straight. As soon as the train passed District 4, which was at about seven the night earlier, she went to bed. Now, the train might be just outside of District 6. That means Karina may come in at any moment and get her dressed. She sat up in bed and looked at the TV on the wall, talking about Sheila's ride home. "Sheila's train has been reported to have just passed District Six, meaning she is only a few hours away from her home district!" A preppy, orange-haired Capitol citizen said into her microphone. Sheila groaned and fell back in bed. 3...2...1...
A door slid open and a high, chirpy voice pierced Sheila's ears. "Good morning! You're almost home! Karina wants you to put this dress on and she'll do your hair as soon as you're dressed. Get up!" Berry Punch left a folded up dress on the dresser. Once the door slid shut, Sheila stood up and looked at the dress. The dominant color was white, and the design on the dress was black swirls. She took off her clothes and slid into the dress, which reached just above her knees and the straps were at least three fingers thick. The neck was a swoop like design, and the bottom looked like a Japanese fan. This dress was the most beautiful dress she wore since she arrived to the Capitol.
She walked into the main cart with bare feet, looking for Karina. She saw Sinus and Palma eating breakfast at the table, Berry was reapplying her make up, but Karina wasn't anywhere. Suddenly, a door swished open. Karina and her twin sister, Katrina, walked into the main cart. "Darling! See, Katrina! I told you that dress would look fantastic on her!" Karina chirped as she walked to Sheila. "Let's get your hair done for your appearance at home." A smile spread on her face from ear to ear as Karina led Sheila into the bedroom compartment. Karina was blabbering away about a simple style to use on Sheila's hair as they walked back to the compartment. Sheila sat on the side of the bed while Karina climbed onto it behind Sheila.
As Karina worked on the thin hair on Sheila's head, Sheila could only think of her district. How will they greet her? Are Jacob and Karrie okay? Is anyone affected by the mercy kill? Just thinking about that kill made her mind spin and take her back to that moment. There was dried blood all over Predator's body, and he wouldn't even last the night. Just the way he told her what the say to Paige in District 4 made her hear the pain in his voice and wanted him to stop suffering. Would people claim her as a killer, even though that was the only way for her to come home? She only killed four out of twenty-six. At least she wasn't a terrible, bloodthirsty Career like Caden and Kleo. Karina finished the final stroke of Sheila's hair and got off the bed.
"You aren't done yet, sweetie." She cooes as she grabs the make up. Sheila closes her eyes so Karina can work her stylist magic. In a few short minutes, Karina was finished with the make up and she placed a mirror in front of her victor. Sheila looked at her reflection as the train began to slow down. Her hair wasn't in an elaborate style like it always was. It was in slight waves, reaching her shoulders with a few gems placed in some strands. Her make up slightly matched her dress, with colors that matched the black in her dress. She still looked like the same Sheila that left 7 three weeks ago.
Berry punch ran into the room, yelling about how they have finally arrived to 7. Karina took one last look at Sheila and gave her a quick hug. "I knew you could do it, darling. See you for the Victory Tour." Sheila hugged back, realizing that she wouldn't see Karina for a while and that she'll miss her. She broke away from the hug and walked to the exit of the train. She was finally home. The time she has waited for has finally come. Sinus and Palma were behind her as the train completely stopped. Just behind the doors of the train she could hear all the shouts and yells from her district. Her name was chanted, just like it was in the Capitol.
Suddenly, the door was open and Sheila was face-to-face with all the citizens of District 7, the people who wished for her to come home. They all had smiles on their faces and they were cheering, something Sheila hasn't witnessed in about eight years when Sinus won. Normally, they were deary and wishing that they were in places like District 1 or 2. A smile creeped on her face as she waved to the crowd, trying not to cry. She made her name known, and she was finally home to see her family. A few figures moved closer to the train platform, and Sheila recognized her brother right away. Karrie was beside him, holding his hand. Her parents quickly followed. Tears sprung into her eyes as the ran to her side.
Jacob attacked Sheila, grabbing onto his sister's body so tightly that all the oxygen was pushed from her lungs. Karrie held onto her friend, encasing her in a tight hug. They pulled away, revealing the tears on their faces. Her parents looked at their daughter, and her mother quickly pulled her into a hug. "I knew you'd come home, honey." She whispered into her hair.
"I am home. And I am never leaving again." Sheila whispered back, letting the cheers of her peers drown out everything else. She will never leave her family ever again.
President of Panem, President Rector
The feed of Sheila's return streamed onto the large screen in the Game Room. President Rector looked at Sheila, hugging her family and her friend, with tears running down their faces. A typical scene he has seen for over forty years. A report of District 4 having an uprising made him more aware of Sheila Carwell, the girl who put him out of his mercy and sparked something in Predator's home district. The uprising wasn't that destructive, but it still frightened Rector. Sure, low fish quotas and a few bruised Peacekeepers weren't anything to be frightened about, but a spark can turn into a fire.
The new Head Gamemaker, Aphrodite McKennon, walked into the Game Room behind the president. She had a tablet in her hands and she looked like she finally got a good night sleep since the Games began. Her heels stopped clicking as she stood beside Rector. "District Four has calmed down. Peacekeeper Holden has sent me an update reading 'Four has brought quotas back up. Peacekeepers that were hurt are now back on their feet. We will supervise this district for now'."
President Rector nodded at the Head Gamemaker. "Good work, Miss McKennon. Take a week off. We will start working on the next Games soon. Bring your imagination." Aphrodite's mouth dropped, but she nodded and left.
The screen switched to a news reporter talking about Sheila once again, and Rector just stood there. Is this girl another Katniss Everdeen? No, her actions didn't make a whole district want to burn down their quotas or people sneak out of their district to run to an underground district. Luckily, 13 will not be an underground district anytime soon. Rector walked away from the Game Room, letting all thoughts of rebellion go from his mind. History won't repeat itself now.
A/N: Just a few more chapters! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and every part of it. Reviews are encouraged. :) See you all soon. :D