"After interest in the Games drops to an all time low, President Snow is determined to regain the once amazing popularity. Twelve tributes. One 'arena.' And one game-changing twist. Welcome to the 80th Hunger Games, the Rebirth."
~ The Rebirth Games ~
Chapter Twenty-Nine:
Survivor
He promised me he'd keep me safe. He fixed the position of the chair. He brought me back to my room and told me to go to sleep. I woke up the following morning in a sweat. Quickly hurried off the train and escorted to my new home in the Victors' Village by Finnick. I hadn't seen my parents at all. In fact, I didn't want to. When would they come back to 12? Were they already back in 12? I just didn't care. They were probably away in the Capitol, down in the Control Center, planning some new ideas for the next Hunger Games. A home away in the Victors' Village was my chance for freedom. Finnick was even my neighbor. But not for long.
It was that very same afternoon. Sitting in the living room in front of a bright fire, wrapped in a cozy blanket on the sofa. Watching as cheering fans graced my television screen in the buzzing streets of the Capitol. I heard a knock at the door. I expected to see the warrior from District 4. Instead I saw Umbree. I readied myself for the accusations, ready to lie about the whole story.
I was never out on the kart. I was in my room, sleeping. Where is Are? What's the problem? What do you mean that he's dead?
"Danix.." she purred gently. "We have some unfortunate news.."
Are was found dead. Of course, nothing new there. But what she said next made my heart sink. And for the final time, I felt like I took a punch to the stomach. I felt like everything was falling apart once again.
His face was plastered across my television screen only minutes later. Caesar Flickerman sat perched in his chair, one image of a smiling Finnick in the top-left corner and another of a smiling Are in the top-right corner.
"With great heartbreak," began Caesar, "we bring you news of a terrible tragedy. One half of this year's victors has been brutally murdered by who we once thought was our loving, caring darling. Are Tulgrid has been killed by Finnick Odair."
He confessed to the Head Peacekeeper Department in 12. He took the blame for what I did. He ruined his entire life just for me. I never found out what happened to Finnick next, but it's pretty obvious what happened. I refuse to think about it. Refuse to speak about it. It's pretty clear that the punishment wasn't being jailed. The victors are precious things. If they were harmed, the consequences would be extreme. I can only imagine Finnick's cheeky smile if he were to be standing on Earth right now.
The last few months changed me. Made me see the world a little bit different. Maybe made me think a little different too. Sometimes the friendly boy isn't as friendly as he seems. Sometimes evil man isn't as evil as he seems. Sometimes traits don't run in the family. I was no murderer. I was no psychopath. I was Danix Tides, the one who survived The Hunger Games. The one ripped apart from his friends. The one fooled by his parents. The one played by my brother. But of course, after all that crap, I'm the last one standing.
Author's Note:
I'm such a liar. The Epilogue did not go up several nights ago as I planned. And this STILL isn't the Epilogue! DO NOT WORRY! I promise you, the Epilogue is coming TODAY! I thought it was cool to end the story of with 30 chapters. It would have felt more cleaner than 29.
Anyway, hope you enjoyed this chapter! Let me know your thoughts in a quick review if you have some spare time. This is so sad, we are officially finished in the next chapter! :(
Stay tuned for the end!
Thank you all so much for reading, byeeeee! :D