A/N: Welcome one and all to this rewrite. It has been a few years since I last did some writing on another story. And looking back through older ones I feel like this is a good chance to do some fixing/rewriting. I feel I've grown quite a bit since the posting of some of these and could better expand on the story and details. To those who are new to this story, I hope you enjoy and leave a review. To those who have read this before, welcome back I hope you have fun down memory lane! Please enjoy xoxo

Disclaimer: Don't own, that is all..

One thing that the people will never truly understand about the Games, is how it changes you forever. The moment you leave that arena- no, the moment you enter the arena, you are a different person. Some victors in the past have said they felt no different, but can it really be true? Is there even the slightest possibility of seeing the world the same as before you were reaped? The answer has to be no. Because the moment you come out, if you come out, your identity is gone. You are no longer an innocent civilian. Your a killer. A killer who out of 23 others, had to take the lives of at least half of the people who were trained to do the same as you. And when you return home, your reminded of those lives every day for months as you go on your victory tour. Even when you think it is all finally over, the nightmares remain. Reminding you of those fateful days.

That is how life is for sixteen year old Luce Wynter, citizen of District 4, victor of the 73rd Annual Hunger Games. She, alongside Finnick Odair -another victor of District 4- is one of the youngest to win the games. Although, she wasn't as famous as the handsome Finnick. But she would never complain about him having all of the attention, as all she worried about was taking care of herself one day at a time. Fighting the ghosts that would keep her awake most nights.

"Luce, Lucyy..Earth to Lucetta." The words and hand waving in front of her causing her to blink and flinch back as she came back to reality, looking up to meet the eyes of said fellow victor Finnick.

The young adult looked at her softly, a touch of affection in his eyes. The kind you would give to a family member. Although not related by blood, Luce and Finnick were practically siblings. He had known, and lived, with the girl since she was a baby. Having been abandoned by her real parents, the Odair family took her in and raised her as their own. From as far back as she could remember they had always been close to each other. That is until the reaping when he stood on stage and volunteered to go into the Games. Her six year old self watching him wave to the District alongside the female tribute. Then watching again at home as the screens showed him catching other teens and stabbing them to death.

When he came back the relationship drifted. Having to go on his tour and spending more time in the capitol started to change him in a way that Luce couldn't understand quite yet. Rumors floating from the districts that he was sleeping around with different woman.

But then came the day that she was reaped herself. There were no volunteers that year, none of the kids training felt confident enough in their ability to win, so they had to choose names. And so she was called and was left there staring at a cheering crowd. Finnick did everything he could to make sure he was her mentor, and stuck with her every step of the way. Having been the same age she was then, he understood the tolls it took on the mind to do what needed to be done to survive. In those few days before being sent into the arena they had never been more closer.

The day she came back, she looked into his eyes and saw the same pain she was now currently feeling. Even though they were a career district, no amount of training would ever prepare a person for what they would experience inside. It was also on that day she stopped talking. Her own rumors going around that the Capitol had taken her tongue and made her an Avox. But in reality, being silent made it easier in a way. If she couldn't talk, then no one could ask her questions about the Games. And the ghosts would stay away.

The ghosts. That was the worst of it all. Day or night, awake or asleep, all she could see at times were the faces of those she killed. Innocent kids that shared in her desire to be anywhere else in the world. She would forever be thankful for Finnick, Annie, and Mags who were with her nonstop in the beginning.

"Still daydreaming?" Finnick spoke up again finally gaining her full attention. Setting his cup down he moved across the room and sat down next to her. Luce only shrugged and shrunk down in her chair causing him to lightly laugh. When she glanced up at him in question he only shook his head.

"Nothing, just the faces you make when you aren't paying attention." He teased bringing Luce to give a small smile in return, along with a hidden eyeroll.

He brought a comforting hand to her shoulder and gave a small squeeze. "I get the extra silence today though. Tomorrow's Reaping day.."

She only nodded in confirmation, it was a quarter quell this year which meant that a big speech was going to be made by the President. And even though it had only been over a full year since her Games, the prep work that had begun for this day still brought up fresh memories.

"You don't have to watch the announcement alone you know, I'll be across the path at Annie's if you want to join." He offered.

Annie, winner of the 70th Hunger Games. The only girl who was ever able to make Finnick stop in his tracks. It may not have been love at first sight between the two, but they created a bond like no other. She easily became like a sister to Luce as well and was happy for the two. It made her wonder if she would ever find anyone like that. At least anyone who would want her.

Shaking her head at his offer she stood up and slung her bag over her shoulder, pointing to the side in reference to her own home just down the way. The home she barely even used. It was nice, she wouldn't deny that. But it felt too big. Too empty. And having already grown up with Finnick, it felt more natural and comforting staying with him most days. But she did still use it at times when she wanted to be alone. Like when it came to announcing and watching the Games.

Nodding he reminded her that she was still welcome to be with them. She gave another smile before waving and walking out the door, heading down the path of the Victors Village. Walking up her steps she opened the door, not even bothering to lock it since she held little possessions inside. Once inside she deposited her bag onto a hook next to the door and went into the living area and sat on a chair.

Sighing she put her head in her hands a moment and took a few deep breaths to steel herself. Mentally repeating the mantra Finnick made for her when she had panic attacks. Your alive, your safe, your home. She repeated it a few more times until she felt better and picked herself up to get a snack. She was halfway through a piece of fruit before the screen in the room lit up and the familiar fanfare of the Capital came to life.

She paused, eyes glued to the screen. It was time.