The Other District 12 Victor

Chapter 1

I woke up with a groan, rolling over, knowing that today was the Reaping Day. It was the 74th Hunger Games. Even 'winning' the Games, we never were able to stop being in the Games, forced to come to the Capitol and mentor more kids just to die.

I shook my head and sat up, rubbing my right knee. They replaced it after I won, the kneecap being too damaged to keep. Instead, metal was there and it still hurt on the days it snowed. It always hurt around the Reaping.

I was the Victor of the 68th Hunger Games. Before that, District 12 has not had a victor for 18 years. Been a victor myself for 6 years. Don't know how Haymitch does for 24 years. I shared this big house in the Victor's Village with my father and brother, the only family members I have left. Haymitch was in another house in the Village. Because of issues in the past, my room is the furthest from them and had about five locks on the inside. My father still runs the metalllurgy shop he owns, even if now he does not need to.

I cleaned up and dressed in a nice button down white shirt, dark blue pants and a blue suit jacket and leather shoes. I combed back my short blond hair, making myself look presentable enough for the Capitol's cameras. Unlike Haymitch, I have family I need to protect.

I walked into the main room to see my brother, Ashton putting bread and cheese on the table, an sliced meat platter next to it from the butcher's.

My father was sitting at the table, a scruff to his face he had yet to shave off. He wasn't starving and no one except the mayor was plump, but he had a decent weight, his shoulders broad with his time in his workshop. His dark blond hair was thinning, but his face wrinkled with 'smiling lines'. He was a cheerful man at times, as much as you could be in District 12, a joy he passed on to me before I was in the Games. I still tried to keep it. I gotten his bright blue eyes and dark blond hair.

My brother was the opposite with our mother, with her grey eyes, olive skin and dark hair. It almost looked like he belonged in the Seam, since she was. His hair a mix between both. Our mother died of sickness when we were young, when I was 12 and him 15. It devastated our father, forcing us to work the workshop in his grief until he came back to himself.

I shook off my thoughts, I was always overly thoughtful around Reaping Day. "What a great breakfast." I walked over and saw down, sending Ash a grin.

Ash, a more serious man, did send a smile. "Eat something, sister. You know you have a long day." I was going to be gone for over a month. Stuck in the Capitol.

Dad chuckled. "That's my line, you should eat. You look very nice." It was a double edged compliment as he knew the reason why. I ate as slowly as time would let me. Ash and Dad were both dressed nicely.

I glanced at the time, scowling. "Time to go."

Cole asked. "Do you need your cane?" I shifted to my feet, putting more weight on my bad leg. I hid my wince at the flash of pain and straightened with a forced smile. "All good to go." I ignored his knowing look. The Capitol will never see the damage they caused me. Never again.

I walked with my family to the Reaping in the middle of the square. I nodded at some people I know, but did not say a word. I felt a squeeze on my shoulder from Dad. "I'll see you when you're done, my dear."

I sent him a smile. "I will be back before you know it." I winced when I said it. The deaths, especially in District 12, came way too quickly.

Ash ruffled my hair, trying to have a sense of normally from before the Games, even after all this time. I was now 21 years old, feeling 20 years older. But, I let him have it, making sure to send him an exasperated look, which made him grin.

I smoothed back my hair and walked up the steps, feeling myself recoil from the memories of the same thing happening 6 years ago. I tucked my shaking hands in my pockets. I hated it. Every year, I had the same reaction. I wished I could just get over this.

Well, doing this does not help.

I saw the bowls with the names and the kids lining up in their lines by age and gender. Effie Trinket was at the microphone. She was there after my Reaping. She brightened when she saw me. She knew I especially behaved when I was in public. I fixed the grin I saved for the cameras and the Capitol, the broad smile that showed a bit of my teeth. I learned from the best when it came to the public and that was Finnick Odair, a Victor from District 4 I got along with. I walked forward and clasped my hands around one of her's. "Miss Trinket, nice to see you are well." I bit back the violent need to wrap my hands around her neck. That would go over well on television.

Effie said. "Thank you, we're happy to have you here!" I felt a muscle twitch in my jaw. I took my hand back, fighting back the childish urge to wipe off my hand off on my pants.

All I said was. "Thanks for havin' me."

Effie Trinket looked around with a frown I could even see through her caked on make-up. "Do you know where Haymitch is?"

I wanted to give a genuine grin at the thought. Haymitch was a drunk, every one knew it and I did not blame him. It brought me joy at the grief it caused her. 'Aw, is the woman from the Capitol embarrassed'. I forced myself to stop being so petty, I did not want my thoughts to show on my face. It just made me angry she actually saw this nonesense as an actual game and not kids dying every year for the Capitol entertainment and so Snow can keep everyone in line. She felt so enjoyment and excitment over it and it pissed me off. Even if I know it is because she is Capitol born.

I allowed myself to smile a bit. "I have no idea." I wanted to smile wider at her sigh of exasperation. I nodded and sat down, catching eyes with my father. He sent what he hoped as a encouraging smile, I sent one back. I did not need it, but it made him feel better.

"Miss Forrester." I turned my head to see Mayor Undersee.

I arched my eyebrow. "Yes?"

"Do you know where Haymitch is?"

I grinned, letting out a low snicker. "Does anyone?" My reply was given a sigh.

The mayor got up to the podium and gave his speech. The same one the Capitol made all the Districts make. About the history of Panem, the Rebellion, the Dark Days and why the Hunger Games took place. I was sick of hearing it ever since I was a child and feeling more bitter after my own Games. Undersee gave off a list of victors, all three of us. Only me and Haymitch were still alive.

Haymitch wanders on stage, swaggering and muttering nonsense to himself, a bottle in his fist. He is drunk as he always gets more drunker around this time. He stumbles into his chair next to me, sloppily slapping me on the shoulder in greeting. I nodded back, smiling. As the citizens of District 12 gave their obligated clapping for us, Haymitch got up and tried to hug Effie Trinket, looking confused. I stared for a second. I didn't know if that was genuine or Haymitch messing with her because he could. He used himself being drunk as an excuse before.

The mayor shot me a look and I shrugged, getting up. I walked over to my old mentor and tugged at his shoulder, smelling an overwhelming amount of booze on him. I drink, but not like that. "C'mon, Haymitch." I didn't even sound like I cared. He snickered, hanging on my shoulder, my arm went around his back to hold him steady. I tested my leg, it was still steady. I heard him say to me in my ear. "Nico, you're ruining my fun."

I snorted. "Sit down." I shoved him in his chair, sitting down myself. He took a swig of his bottle, resting it on his leg.

Mayor Undersee waved a hand. "And now for the Hunger Games' Escort, Effie Trinket."

Effie Trinket fixed herself, talking to the microphone. "Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor!" She went on talk about what a 'honor' it was. I glanced at Haymitch and rolled my eyes, making sure the camera didn't catch the action. Haymitch's eyebrows went up in response.

Effie went to the bowls and croaned. "Ladies first!" I watched as she reached inside, remembering when this was me 6 years ago. It was silent and she picked a paper and went back to the podium.

"Primrose Everdeen."

I blinked, frowning when I realized that name was familiar. I glanced around and felt myself go white as a muttering went about. It was a 12 year old. It was bad enough, but when a 12 year old got picked, it twisted something in my chest.

"Prim! Prim!" I watched as an older girl a couple of years older started screaming, I recognized her as her sister, Katniss Everdeen. I have bought some things from her and her father before her. She is known for being around the Hob. They and many families from the Seam lost their families to a mining explosion a couple of years ago, a year after I went into the games. I couldn't keep my eyes off of Primrose. I swollowed reflectively. I glanced at Haymitch. His face was stony silent, his expression unreadable. I did the same. I couldn't let the Capitol get that on the cameras. I had to watch a 12 year kill herself in these Games. It's not the first time. There are usually 12/13 year olds in every Games. If she's lucky, she'll be killed quickly on the first day. The longing for these games to end...I pushed away the thought.

Katniss shouted. "I volunteer! I volunteer as tribute!" I frowned, pressing my lips together. A tribute, the Career Districts get those more than we do. I understand where she's coming from. Anything to protect your family. I had to hold back my exasperation for the Capitol showing on my face, they were going to make a big thing out of this; anything for their show.

Effie Trinket called out. "Lovely! But, I believe there's a small matter of introducing the Reaping winner and then asking for volunteers and if one does comes forth then we, um..."

The mayor said, a pained note in his voice. "What does it matter? What does it matter? Let her come forward."

Even if he had more money than everyone else, excluding me and Haymitch, he hates this too. In the end, these kids are going to die. As screwed up as it is, it's better than a 12 or 13 year old. I was only 15 years old.

Her sister, Primrose wrapped her arms around her. I glanced away, ignoring it. A young man, since he's here, maybe 18, pulled Primrose away, his dark hair and olive skin showing he was from the Seam.

I glanced back over to see Katniss climbing up the steps, obviously trying to hide her worry and fear, but it was a hidden look I recognized easily. Not many could.

Effie called out, joy in her voice. "Well, bravo! That's the spirit of the Games! What's your name?"

I quietly sighed through my nose. Of course she was going to make the most of this as most of those Captiol people do.

A moment later, Katniss said. "Katniss Everdeen."

"I bet my buttons that was your sister. Don't want her to steal all the glory, do we? Come on, everybody! Let's give a big round of applause to our newest tribute!"

I stared hard at her back, my teeth biting down on my tongue to silence myself. I could feel the rusty copper fill my mouth, I swallowed and felt a nudge. Haymitch made it look like he was drunkenly swaying. I slightly shook my head, acting like I was putting him upright with a hand to his shoulder. I squeezed once, showing it was fine. He nodded, taking another swig, eyes on what was going on. I have been doing this for 6 years, but it doesn't get easier. I always found it best to just bite my tongue and deal with it. The other option is too devestating to think about.

I watched as the crowd kissed three fingers of their left hand and held them out. An old gesture in this District. It means farewell to a loved one, the biggest rebellion one would dare to do to the Capitol. It made me want to smile with pleasure.

Haymitch lurched to his feet. He threw his arm over her shoulder, yelling. "Look at her! Look at this one! Lots of...spunk!" He moved and pointed at the crowd and camera. "More than you!"

He stumbled over the stage and knocked himself out. I snorted under my breath, looked over and stayed seated. He's fine.

He was led away on a stretcher. I was a bit amused. That has happened before.

Effie Trinket said loudly. "What an exciting day! But, more excitement to come. It's time to choice our Boy Tribute!" I glanced at her, wishing this was over. She grabbed a slip quickly from the boy's bowl. "Peeta Mellark."

My lips tugged into a scowl once I recognized the name. He was the youngest Mellark boy at the baker's shop. He is who I usually see in the bakery. Him or his father. It was why living in a smaller District is worse. We almost all know each other. After Effie asked about volunteers, the mayor went over the Treaty of Treason.

He looked nervous as he stood there, both of the young teenagers shaking hands. My mind flashed to the same day when I shook hands with Alloy Carrow, a 17 year old boy from the Seam.

I couldn't forget that name.

The Panem Anthem played.

Knowing I had to be at the train in an hour, I walked home with my brother and father. To say goodbye without an audience. We got inside and my father turned to me, his hands on my shoulders with a smile. "See you in a month." He squeezed my shoulders with a sad smile, trudging off further inside the house. I sighed through my nose, feeling the cut on my tongue from biting it.

"He's mad he can't do anything to help."

I glanced at my brother. "I know, Ash, but that's what it is for the rest of my life."

His face tensed at that, even if he knew it was true. He knew how much I hated being in the Capitol. He moved in front of me, hugging me. He never hugged me when I couldn't see him...not anymore. "See you in a month."

I let go. I usually did first. "Yeah."

I walked out the door.

I was still wearing what I left the house with, knowing I would have to change later. I didn't see either of the tributes, but the cameras were out already.

"Nicoletta!"

"Miss Forrester!"

Haymitch was always drunk, so they usually bother me. I slip on a charming grin, waving my hand. "Hey!"

"What do you think about this years' tributes?"

"What about Katniss volunteering for her sister?"

My smile tightened, but didn't disappear. "Sorry, but I have to get going. I don't want to keep the Capitol waiting." I gave them another charming grin and a wave, going inside the train. The false smile slipped from my face. I went over to a counter, pouring myself a drink of strong alcohol. "I need this."

"Miss Forrester." I glanced over and saw Effie. I raised my glass in greeting and took a drink, fighting the burning on my tongue.

"If you will, please don't drink as if you were Haymitch." She sniffed.

I laughed, turning to find a room. "No one drinks like Haymitch." Dealing with the Games, I drink to take the edge off. I had to deal with the tributes later. I didn't see Haymitch here.

I pressed the button to open the door and shutting it behind me and sitting on the overly large bed. I finished the glass, putting it on the table. I rubbed my face, feeling my knee throb. I grimaced, flexing my leg. I rested for a bit until I could see the sun changing by the window.

Realizing it was late, I stood up and figured I should get this over with. And I was hungry.

I tugged off my jacket, leaving everything else on. I walked to the Dinning Car, seeing Katniss, Peeta and Effie Trinket. I noticed Haymitch was not there.

I raised an eyebrow. "Did I miss the party?"

Peeta looked at me, his face flashing with recognition. He remembered me. "Haymitch is taking a nap."

I nodded. "Sounds nice." I sat down in the chair next to the empty one. "So...food?"

I felt a stare and it was Katniss Everdeen, her eyes hard. I arched an eyebrow in her direction, before looking at Effie. "Food?"

Effie looked bothered. "It's coming."

I ate the meal: Carrot soup, salad, lamb chops and cake. It was extra like most Capitol things.

Effie spoke. "At least you two have manners. The pair last year ate everything with their hands like a couple of savages. It completely upset my digestion."

I spoke. "Well, not everyone has the benefits of the Capitol." Out of the eyes of the public, Effie knew my words were sharper. She dealt with it, like Haymitch's drinking because she had no choice.

She didn't take my words for the sarcasm it was. But the other two caught on, both staring at me. Katniss wiped her fingers on the tablecloth in revenge for her words.

Effie got up. "It's time to watch the other tributes. Let's go! Let's go!"

Katniss and Peeta followed after her.

"Miss Forrester, come along!"

I felt like it wasn't worth it for a minute. They were going to die. But, as I got twin stares, I nodded. "Sure, alright." Even if they were going to die in a mouth, the least I do is stick around for that time.

I walked with them to the seperate compartment where the other tributes were being shown. I sat on a couch away from them, leaning back. They sat on the same couch, a good amount of space between them. I watched the tributes.

It was the usual nonsense for the 1st, 2nd and 4th Districts. Big and strong tributes who train for this in the first place. They usually win the Games. The rest of them were normal, especially from the poorer Districts. I watched our District and watched everything that happened. Looking at myself greeting Effie, helping Haymitch and sitting down, none of my pain showed on my face, which was good.

I chuckled as it showed Effie looking disgruntled. Peeta and Katniss equally amused. I stood. "Well, this was exciting."

"Where are you going?" The question was from Katniss and I got a narrowed eyed stare. I looked them over. "To sleep." There was only so much I could take of this in one day.

I heard Effie huff from behind the closed door. "One of your mentors have a lot to learn about presentation. A lot about televised behavior."

I heard Peeta laugh. "He's drunk. He's drunk every year."

Katniss replied. "Every day." I could hear the amusement in her voice. I shrugged and walked away, passing a stumbling Haymitch. I went to my room, showering using their ridiculous shower with the many levels and got ready for bed.

As I laid in bed, I cursed, staring at the ceiling.

These kids were going to die.

And no matter what I did, I could not stop it. I tried in my first couple of years, but there was no stopping it. Haymitch warned me, but I tried anyway. Gave what advice I could, worked for sponsers. But, our District didn't make Victors. I couldn't help but think about what I did every year around the Games, even since I was 16, after my first Games as a Mentor.

These kids were going to die.