Hi, Thank you all for reading. Don't forget to review! :D

Chapter Eighteen: A Beautiful Victory

I awake to silence. White walls and white ceiling. I cannot move and at first I think I am paralysed, but then I realise I am strapped down to my bed. My eyes narrow to the door which is closed. I'm alive. I am the victor of the 63rd Hunger Games.

The door swung open and a doctor in a white jacket walked in. "Ah Cashmere, You're awake. Wonderful. How are you feeling"?

I force a smile. "A little strapped down", I moan.

The doctor let out a smile. "I will unfasten you, don't worry, but first, let me introduce myself. I am Doctor Mink. Head Doctor of the Victorious Ward here in the capitol. As a victor you get the privelidge of around the clock care. Naturally you are allowed to visit the capitol for business relations anytime of the year, and this includes medicals".

I nod, but don't say anything. I doubt I will ever really be coming back if I don't have too. Even for medical reasons.

"Well done on your victory Cashmere. You truly were wonderful... but I need to know that you understand that you are no longer in the arena, and therefor no longer in any immediate danger. We, your peers here at the hospital and at the gallery are not a threat".

Yeah right!. I roll my eyes and give a side ways smile. "Oh course. I understand", I whisper.

The doctor walks over to the door and lets in some new people. About five doctors, and to my shock, Lumos my mentor.

"Okay, we are going to unstrap you now. I must warn you, we are armed with injections that will send you back to sleep instantly, if you plan on any attack".

I frown. "Do you get a lot of victors who attack?", I ask curiously.

Dr Mink smiled. "More then half".

He unstraped me and I sat up. "That feels a lot better".

"Is there any chance I can get a moment with my new victor please", smiled Lumos to the doctors. Dr Mink seemed unsure but agreed none the less. "Sure, but you know where the panic button is".

Lumo's sat beside me on the bed. "You know it is funny. District One has had more Victors then any other district. 31 Victors with only 63 games. Thats impressive. Unfortunately most of them are dead. Any youngster would think District 2 are the reining champions".

I shrug, not really interested in the hunger games history.

"Cashmere. There is something I need to tell you. I have done this job for a good while, but I know this will be my last year. The capitol absolutely loved you. You peeked at being most sponsored".

I smiled disgruntled. . "I guess my looks help".

Lumos looked sad. "Yes. You will most likely be doing loads of work here in the capitol, they will wish to use you for all the help you received from them while in the arena".

My eyes widened. "Thats terrible. I will never agree".

Lumos looked sad. "The capitol will not take no as an answer. Listen I know from experience, I have seen it too many times. You will have a meeting with someone politically high in the capitol. You must do as you are asked. Trust me".

I pouted and shrugged. "We'll see".

The doctor come and knocked on the door. "I think it will be safe to take her back to the quarters at the training centre. The head game maker will meet you there".

Lace was standing behind him with a giant smile on her face. "Cashmere", she squealed.

"Oh you poor poor girl... but all is okay, the doctors have fixed you up, and there is so, so, so much we have to look forward for. First we have a recap of your games, and then there is the interview and question time, before a victory party".

I gave a smirk. "How long until I get to go home. I really want to see my family".

Lace gave a giggle. "All in good time. I am sure you will LOVE your new home in victors village. They are to DIE for".

I got dressed in a new line of fashionable clothes, which of course were designed by Madam Cambell, my stylist.

I couldn't help but notice the slice across my chest. "I have scars", I commented a I looked in the mirror.

Lumo's peered round and sighed. "Unfortunately even the capitol cannot cover up everything. Or thats what they tell us anyway. I personally think its just another way they remind of what we have been through. Try not to dwell on it".

I have laughed half coughed. "How can I not dwell on it. Its across my tits. If it was on my back, trust me I would care a lot more".

Lumos pursed her lips. "You know. That scar might be more of a blessing...".

I frowned as I really could not place at all what she was going on about.

I was soon in the car, which of course had blacked out windows, so none of the capitol citizens could see me. Within 15 minutes I was back at the training centre, heading towards the first floor.

My room had changed, and still had the bedsheets that I had originally, although washed.

Within minutes I was called to the dining room, where I was greeted, as promised by the Head Game maker.

"Hello Miss Hazelgrey. It is a pleasure to meet you. And congratulations. My name is Hurlock Atlas

I greeted him warily. He looked normal. He had long blonde hair, similar to mine, but other then that, completely natural.

"Okay, first things first, tomorrow you will be shown the recaps with Mr Flickerman. I have been told they will be about 2 hours long. It will be a closed studio, with no more of 20 guests, but will be broadcasted live across Panem. The following afternoon you will have the interviews, where Mr Flickerman will ask you about your experiences and your time in the arena, and after you will be crowned by the president himself. That evening will be the Party".

"Is that the party at the presidents house?", I asked curiously.

Hurlock smiled. "No. Thats the victory tour. This one will be at city hall... However, The president has asked to see you personally tonight".

I nod. "Okay".

He turned to Lace. "Make sure cashmere gets there at 7pm sharp. He doesn't expect you to be late".

Lace looked frantic and started to write things down, as if though she had just been told something extremely important.

The game maker left, and the door was held open by Granite, who exchanged greetings with him.

"Hello Cashmere. And well done. I knew out of the two of you, you stood a better chance. Having said that, I think we need to chat about what you did".

"Not now Granite", interjected Lumos, "The president has called for her".

Granites face dropped. "Well we can all guess how that discussion is going to go".

"What?... Is this not normal?", I asked starting to panic.

Lumos sat next to me and grabbed my hand.

"Cashmere, I told you in hospital that the capitol expects us to repay them. The president, seeing you as a prize, has his own offer, something that only happens every so often. For the smaller things he gets his government to do the work, but in special cases, he speaks directly to the victor. I am one of those people".

I frown. "Do you mind if I ask you, what he asks of you".

Lumos sighed. "Cashmere I am a prostitute for the citizens of the capitol".