A/N: I think I'll make a sequel... What should the name of it be? Something simple, like 'Quarter Quell'? Or something inspiring?
Chapter 15:
On the screens in one of the train cars, Nikki saw riots in the districts. She was hiding from the peacekeepers inside, listening to them talk.
"Another district," said one guy.
"That's the fourth one since the Victory Tour started," said another.
"I've been having a tough time buying clothes for my girl."
"And there's the food shortage, too."
Districts 3, 4, 7, and 11 were shown on the screens before a fifth district showed up, drawing the men's attention. Nikki couldn't believe that the districts were rebelling. Why? Was it because of her? Did they think that she was actively trying to revolt against the Capital? Nikki slipped away unnoticed, and made her way to the dining car. They were having a late lunch, and then they'd be in District 12 shortly after that. "The districts are rioting!"
"They are? Why?" Peeta asked.
Haymitch narrowed his eyes. "Which ones?"
"3, 4, 7, 11, and 8 just popped up on the screen when I left."
Haymitch went back to his food as he thought about what to say next.
"We'll deal with it later," Effie said as she picked up her tea cup. "Now, when we get to the station, the mayor will say a few words and then you two will follow your speech notes exactly."
Nikki looked at her while plating up her food. "Is it the same old speech that didn't work before?"
Effie looked affronted. "My speeches are masterpieces!"
"Yes," said Nikki, rolling her eyes. "The dryness of the speeches is why the districts think that I am trying to start a revolution against the Capital." Peeta and Haymitch laughed, drawing Nikki's attention. "I'm not that funny."
Effie huffed. "Then you can say whatever you want for the speech." She stabbed a potato wedge viciously with her fork.
"Thank you," said her three companions, drawing Effie's ire.
When the train pulled into the station, Peeta and Nikki walked out hand in hand behind their mentor and Effie. They stood on stage as the mayor made his lavish speech about the honor of District 12. Nikki smiled up at Peeta and noticed that he was already looking down at her. She pecked his lips briefly, before the mayor called her to speak to the district.
Nikki tried to walk normally to the microphone, but ended up skipping for a step or two out of happiness and excitement. Her family laughed at her excited self, and Nikki beamed at them. "Hello. We are rather excited to be back home. This Victory Tour has been eye opening as we made our way through each district. Being a Tribute is scary, but being a Victor is not glorious. It's sad seeing the pictures of the fallen tributes, and we honor their sacrifice." She smiled sadly at the crowd. "Today, we come home to start getting ready for the Quarter Quell so that we can mentor the next tributes."
Peeta walked over to the microphone as Nikki walked back to where she had stood before. His voice was strong as he spoke to the crowd. "We thank you for the support you give us each day. It is an honor for us to stand before you today. Like Nikki said, being a Victor isn't glorious. It's lonely at times. Most people think we live lavish lives, but mostly we just live alone and wonder about what we're going to do the next day." He smiled at the confused faces before him. "Sometimes, just sometimes, you find someone that understands you and supports you." He turned his head to look back at Nikki, motioning for her to join him. He smiled at her furrowed brow. He took her hand gently. "Nikki, you loved me when I was preoccupied with other things. You tried to make things easier on me, stepping back when you thought it would make me happy, but I couldn't let you get away when you held those berries. I knew then that I had to see what a future together would hold." He pulled a box out of his pocket and, as the crowd gasped, he knelt on his knee before Nikki. "Nikki Swift, will you do me the honor of marrying me?"
Nikki stood there, shocked at the turn of events, before her eyes flew around to the surrounding people. Effie was shocked, but tearing up. Haymitch had his flask halfway to his mouth, and his eyes were wide. Nikki's family, and Peeta's father and brothers, were all holding their breath in suspense. Nikki looked back at Peeta, swallowing hard a few times before nodding. "Yes," she cried out, laughing in delight.
Peeta beamed. He slid the beautiful ring onto her left ring finger. The planned end to the Victory Tour was turned into a huge celebration as the people of District 12 celebrated loudly, late into the night. The Mellarks and the Swifts gathered around the newly engaged couple, talking and laughing, as the district ate, danced, and drank.
Nikki reluctantly separated from Peeta and followed her family into their home as the sun started lightening the sky. She was reluctant to sleep alone, but she couldn't have her sister climb into bed with her anymore. She didn't want to interrupt Addie's sleep anymore. Addie wouldn't understand the horrors she saw in her nightmares.
A/N: This one's a little short... Only a few chapters left, I think. :) See you next time!