Hello people!

So here I am with another chapter for you guys.

I know it's a little late in updating, but I've lacked motivation lately, and then I'm working on...three other stories, and rewriting an entire novel, and editing another one...so yeah, I've been pretty busy lately :)

But I'm here now, and I'm hoping to set up some form of system where I have a particular day to work on each story. We'll see how that goes.

I did want to tell you guys about the fanfic I mentioned in the last authors note, and see what you guys thought about it.

It's a crossover of Peter Pan and Robin Hood. Basically, something happens and Peter, the Lost Boys, and the other residents of Neverland get transported back in time, and then become reincarnated as characters from Robin Hood.

I've already started it, but I won't post it until this story is done...I think, I might decide to start posting it.

But tell me if you think that sounds interesting! And any ideas you might have for it :)

Alright so here we go! In this chapter I think I'm going to kick off the Victory Tour, or have it be the day before Mags and Dash leave. But I want to get the story moving because there's still quite a lot I want to write and I don't want the story to end up with around...fifty chapters long XD

So here we go! Reviews are always asked for and greatly appreciated :)

Chapter Nine: Unexpected meeting.

The knife leaves my hand and whistles in the air for a few seconds before burying itself in the trunk of a large palm tree. I roll my shoulders and take aim with my second knife, narrowing my eyes at the target before flicking my wrist and watching as the knife sinks into the wood beside the other one. Steel would be proud.

I drop my arm and let the third knife fall and stick in the sand beside me. The wind whips my hair to one side, and I brush a few loose strands away with a sigh.

I glance at the knives before sitting down, picking the third knife up and tracing patterns into the sand. Tomorrow Dash and I will leave for the Victory Tour, I have to say goodbye to my family, and Felix for who knows how long.

I'll be forced to visit each District and confront the families of each and every tribute that I watched die. I'll have to say some stupid speech about how they put up a good fight and how they died honorably and other crap like that. When the truth is, they were all murdered for the sick amusement of the Capitol, and to remind us all exactly how powerless we are.

"Mags?"

I look up and see Leroy standing above me, I drop my gaze and resume doodling with the knife. He sits down beside me and stares at the ocean.

"How long have you been out here?"

I shrug, focusing on the sand instead of meeting his gaze.

"Since before it was light out."

Leroy is silent for a moment, and from the corner of my eye I see him glance at the maimed palm tree, then at what I was doodling. I quickly scratch out the image when I realize what I drew. Although I know it's too late, Leroy already saw.

"It's going to be okay Mags."

He says gently, putting a hand on my shoulder. I swallow hard and stare at the remains of my doodle. "WILL" stares back at me, a long slash through the letters. I slowly use the flat of the blade to wipe the sand clean, and let out a heavy sigh.

"I don't know if I can do it Leroy."

I confess, resting my arms on my knees as I stare at the ocean, twirling the knife idly in one hand. He shrugs and leans back on his elbows.

"Dash and Pixie will be there with you. And you won't be gone for as long as you think, you'll be back home before you know it."

I shake my head.

"The length of the tour's not what bothers me. I just don't know if I can do it."

He turns to look at me slightly confused.

"I'm sure they'll write the speeches and everything out for you. You just have to do as they say and you'll be fine."

I shake my head again.

"That's not what I'm talking about Leroy."

"Than what are you talking about?"

I let out a heavy sigh and finally just say what I've been thinking for the past couple weeks.

"I don't know if I can keep it together when I leave. I don't know if I can...keep a hold on my sanity."

Silence greets this statement, as Leroy struggles to find something to say.

"You...you'll be fine."

I smile sadly and shrug.
"I wasn't after the games."

"But that's different! You aren't going in the arena again."

I turn on him, suddenly angry, hot tears burning in my eyes.

"You're right, it is different! This is much worse! Don't you see Leroy? I'm going to have to live through everything all over again, I'll have to face the families whose lives I've torn apart, and the whole time I'm just going to be reminded that Will is gone! And he's not coming back!"

My voice gives out on me at the end of my rant, and I try to hold in a sob as the tears run down my cheeks. Leroy blinks several times quickly, trying to hold in his own tears, trying to be strong for me. He quickly wraps his arms around me and holds me tightly. I bury my face in his shoulder and let the sobs shake my body as I cling to him. Although I know he's crying to, his arms are steady and comforting.

"You're going to make it through this Mags. You always do."

He says gently, kissing my head as he tightens his grip on me slightly. I can't reply for a few minutes because I'm crying so hard. But I finally manage to talk around my sobs.

"I...I'm sorry...Leroy...I shouldn't have...yelled at you."

He rubs my back comfortingly and shakes his head.

"You don't have to apologize."

I take a deep breath, and let it out in a quivering sigh, trying to get my crying under control.

"I'm so scared Leroy. I didn't even remember what I did when I got out of the games...it's like I wasn't myself."

"That's not going to happen again."
I shake my head.

"You don't know that. Sometimes I'll wake up after a nightmare, and I'll want to hurt myself just to make sure I'm awake, and being home isn't just a dream. You don't know how terrifying that is."

He loosens his grip on me, and pulls back slightly. Looking in my eyes, he slowly lifts the leg of his pants up to his knee. I gasp and stare in horror at the long horizontal scars marking his shin and calf.

"Leroy..."

I can't hide the pain in my voice, and I slowly rest my hand against his leg, trying to convince myself that they weren't real.

"When you and Will were reaped, I couldn't handle it. I just curled up on the couch and lied there for days. It wasn't until Will died that I lost it completely."

I feel a fresh flood of tears leak from my eyes and trail their way down my cheeks.

"Does dad know?"

He nods slowly.

"Yeah, he caught me at it. I thought he would be furious, but he just took the knife away and hugged me tightly. He watched me like a hawk after that of course, but I don't think he blames me. It got better after you won, but I know you have been struggling with it since the games."

I nod, and take a deep breath, pulling the leg of his jeans back down.

"I had no idea...I'm so sorry Leroy. Everyone has been so focused on me lately, including myself, that no one has thought about how you're doing."

Leroy gave me a sad smile and brushed the tears of my cheeks with the back of his hand.

"I'm fine now, I just worry about my big sister."

I take a deep breath and give him a hug.

"If you can be strong, then so can I."

Leroy chuckles slightly and rolls his eyes.

"Does everything have to be a competition with you?"

I narrow my eyes at him and smile.

"Yes!"

He stands up and pulls me to my feet.

"Nice knife throwing skills by the way."

I fling the last knife in between the other two and turn back to him with a smile.

"Thank you. I learned how from a friend."

That night we were having a goodbye party for me, Dash and Pixie would be there of course, along with Mister Riller and Becky. I don't know if dad invited anyone else but I can't think of who else he would.

Leroy and I take a long walk on the beach, and we talk and laugh, remembering all the happy days we had with Will on the beach. Until now it's been too painful to talk about him, but right now it feels good to remember the good days. I know Will would want us not to forget the happy times we spent together, playing pirates, collecting shells, and seeing who could hold their breath the longest.

It's around two o'clock when we finally walk back into town. Leroy glances towards a side street, and I smile as I realize where it leads.

"Why don't you go drop by and say hello to Becky? I'm sure she would appreciate any help she could get. I hear she's making dessert tonight."

Leroy hesitates, and then turns to me.

"You're sure you don't mind?"

I wave my hand dismissively.

"Pssh! Go on, I'll see you tonight. I'm perfectly capable of walking myself home you know."

He grins at me and plants a quick kiss on my forehead before jogging off. I smile and shake my head, remembering when Felix and I were like that...well we kind of still are. The only way to survive the games is to focus on the reason you won, mine is to honor Will's wishes, and to be with my family.

The town is pretty busy at this hour, and I have to bear the stares of people walking past. I just give them a small smile or keep my head down. I pause when I hear a small squeal, and a little girl maybe five years old runs up to me.

"Lady of the Sea!"

I smile slightly at her excited but shy stare. She blinks big blue eyes up at me and says quietly.

"Can I hug you?"

I crouch and open my arms. She giggles and throws her small arms around my neck, hugging me tightly.

"I want to be just like you when I grow up."

She whispers in my ear. I struggle against the wave of emotion that hits me, and blink my eyes to stop the tears.

"Why would you want to be like me?"

I ask as she pulls away. She shrugs her tiny shoulders.

"You're beautiful, and strong and smart and you loved your brother very much. Mommy says you're one of the best people to win the games in a long time."

I'm a little too shocked to fully process this, so I just give her a small smile and say.

"Are you looking forward to the Victory Tour?"

She suddenly asks, tilting her head to one side slightly. I decide it's better to tell her the truth, since there's so little honesty in the world.

"Not really. It's tiring."

She nods as if she understands and then beams at me.

"But you'll get to wear pretty outfits!"

I laugh and nod.

"Yes that's true."

At that moment a young woman who I assume is her mother runs up and after shooting a quick glance my way she takes her daughters shoulders and scolds her slightly.

"Mila! What have I told you about running off?"

She turns to me and smiles apologetically.

"I'm so sorry, manners aren't exactly her strong point."

I give the woman a bright smile and shake my head.

"Oh I don't mind at all."

From the looks of their clothes, they weren't one of the wealthier families in the District. I dig in my pocket and pull out some coins, offering them to the young woman.

"Would you mind taking these off my hands?"

She looks at the money in disbelief, shaking her head quickly.

"Oh no, I couldn't accept any money."

I shrug.

"I have too much, and I've done nothing to deserve it."

She still looks hesitant and so I say gently.

"Please help me feel like I can make a difference with what I've gone through."

She meets my gaze, and we stare at each other for a long moment. She finally, with some reluctance, holds out her hand. I smile and place the coins in her hand. Then I crouch in front of Mila and tap the end of her nose.

"I'm going to ask my stylists to make a pretty dress just for you."

I glance up at her mother and ask.

"Where do you live?"

The young woman looks overwhelmed as she stammers out her address. I nod and then get the breath knocked out of me as Mila throws herself on me and wraps her arms around my waist in a crushing hug.

"You're my hero!"

I laugh and catch myself with one hand so I don't fall over. Mila releases me and I stand up. Her mother looks at me with respect and says proudly.

"The world needs more people like you in it. I can never repay you for your kindness."

I smile and shake my head.

"You already have by taking the money. It makes me feel terrible that I have so much money just for being in the games. When the people in the Districts work so hard. So thank you for letting me help you."

She nodded and then took Mila's hand.

"Come along Mila. Thank you again."

I nod and Mila gives me a wave.

"I'll be watching you during the Tour."

She calls to me. I return her wave as I reply.

"I'll come to deliver your dress when I get back."

I turn back around and resume my walk, feeling in better spirits than I did this morning. It's moments like those, that remind me why I won the games, and why I have to stay strong. Mila looks to me as a role model, and I can't disappoint her.

As I'm passing by an alley, I hear a low chuckle and I freeze.

"Wasn't that sweet?"

I'm surprised to find that I don't feel any fear, only caution as my senses heighten. I turn to the alley and barely catch the outline of a man leaning against the side of a building, shrouded in shadow.

"If you want to talk, come out and face me."

"Oh I don't know about that sweetheart, I like the shadows."

I plant my feet firmly on the pavement, and square my shoulders, outwardly relaxed, but inwardly coiled like a spring, ready for action. I take a deep breath and say the one thing that will get his attention.

"Cedric."

The outline straightens up, and he takes a step forward, allowing the light to fall across his features. I hold in a gasp as I see him for the first time, really see him.

His hair grows around his ears in thick black curls, he's tall, probably six-foot one. His figure is lean and lithe, like a cat. His boyish features and curls give him a young innocent look even though I know he has to be around forty-three. He looks at me with electric blue eyes, and I stare at him for several long minutes.

"You look just like him..."

I can't help saying in a hushed voice. He raises one arched eyebrow.

"Who?"

I take a deep breath and force myself to stop looking over his features, focusing in on those electric blue eyes that look all too familiar.

"Will."

He nods.

"I could see the resemblance. While we're on the subject, you look...so much like my sister."

I shift slightly.

"Magarida. My aunt."

He nods again and then pain flashes across his eyes.

"It's like she's standing in front of me...except she was younger than you when she died."

I can't get over the oddness of this situation, I'm standing in the street, talking to my crazy dead uncle that I didn't know existed until recently. We both resemble each other's younger siblings that died...yeah I'm going crazy.

"Not to seem rude but, aren't you supposed to be dead?"

He shrugs, a small smile spreading across his face.

"I guess I'm hard to drown."

He notices the cautious way I'm regarding him, and realization crosses his face.

"He told you...your father."

I simply nod. His shoulders sag and he lets out a sigh.

"After I almost drowned again...something clicked in my head, I snapped out of...whatever it was that possessed me. I'm just as I was before Magarida died."

I remain cautious, not letting my guard down.

"So that's it? You're just back to normal?"

He shakes his head.

"It took me several years to get back to normal completely."

"So what's up with you stalking me?"

He scratches the back of his head and says guiltily.

"I...I was trying to work up the courage to talk to you. I need to apologize."

He takes a deep breath and meets my gaze.

"I can never make up for what I did, I just want you to know that I wasn't in my right mind, and now that I am, I am so, so sorry. I would never want to cause your family pain."

I shrug.

"Not much of a family any more."

Realization dawns on him, and he asks me in a pained voice.

"Your mother..."

I shake my head.

"Died after she had Will. Now he's gone too."

Cedric blinks several times, nodding slowly. His blue eyes seeming even brighter with tears in them.

"Right...well, I'm sorry that I'll never get the chance to explain myself to her."

I relax slightly. Since the games, I've adapted this acute sense about people. I can tell if their trustworthy or not. Maybe it's just instinct kicked in since the games.

"Are you going to explain yourself to dad?"

He snaps out of his slight daze and shrugs.

"I don't know if he'd take too kindly to me...what with everything."

I bite my lip slightly and struggle to make a decision. Finally I nod towards the street.

"Do you...do you want to come over? I'm sure dad would prefer to know the truth. I think he still feels guilty about killing you."

Cedric chuckles slightly and gives in with a shrug.

"Well I wouldn't want him feeling guilty over something he didn't do."

He puts his hand gently on my arm, and I stiffen instinctively. He slowly lifts his hand and says gently.

"I'm sorry for everything Magarida...I know how hard it is to lose a younger sibling. You feel responsible even though it wasn't your fault."

I feel a lump forming in my throat, and so I just nod stiffly.

"It's Mags by the way."

He smiles slightly and nods.

"Alright then Mags, time for a family reunion."

Authors Note: Okay so I thought that this chapter was suckily short, but then I realized it's around a thousand words longer than the last one so...yeah :P Anyway! Decided to update because I'm going to be camping over the weekend and I thought you guys needed another chapter since I hadn't updated in a while.

So! Here it is! Please let me know what you think in a review! I only got like three last chapter :P Love them reviews :)

Later Hamiltons!

PS: What did you guys think of that plot twist? I didn't even see it coming :P She was just walking home and he showed up all of a sudden. Tell me what you think dearies! I'd like to know if I used good judgement with that decision :)