The Other District 12 Victor

Chapter 2

Even if I was 15, I was nervous as I always was on Reaping Day. Ashton was turning 18 so it was his last year. Dad was nervous in his own way, but tried not to show it. We lost our mom not too long after my first Reaping. I was in a nice blouse and skirt, clothes meant for Reaping Day's. I grasped Ash's hand, clenching tightly. He smiled softly at me. "Nico, don't worry, me and you don't take tessera. My name is in it 7 times and yours 5. We just have to get through today."

"'Letta, Ash is right. Let's just get through today." He squeezed my shoulder. We had to seperate and I stood with the people in my line, fidgeting slightly. I might be fifteen and have done this three other times, but I still felt the fear pounding in my chest. Seeing either myself, my brother or a friend dying in the Hunger Games. District 12 does not win the Games, except for Haymitch Abernathy, a old drunk guy.

Our Mayor, Mr. Undersee went over the history of the Games, something I've heard of since I seen the Games on the screen. Then our escort came to the microphone.

"Hello! Hello, everyone. Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor!" It was Hermes Moon, an escort for the Games we had for a while. He had bright green hair with sparkles in it, weird outlandish clothes and some make-up, I didn't know what he really looked like. Haymitch was laying on his chair, drinking deeply from alcohol, making faces at Hermes Moon's back. I felt my lips twitch, despite my nervousness.

As always, he went to the girls' bowl first and slowly drew out a name. I felt the sweat in the back of my collar. The other 15 year old girls around me looked as nervous as I was.

"Nicoletta Forrester!"

I looked around confused for a moment and realized at the stares, that was my name. My stomach dropped and my breath caught in my chest.

Hermes Moon said. "Come along, Nicoletta Forrester."

My eyes were wide. "No, no..." I shuffled forward, my wide eyes straight ahead.

"No! No! You can't do this!" My head snapped over to Ashton. It was him and he was furious, his olive skin tone darkening in rage.

I froze, he was held back by two Peace Keepers, a third slamming a club to his back. "Quiet down!"

"NO! No, Nico!"

Peace Keepers were getting close to me. I knew it was going to get worse. "Stop! Look, I'm walking to the stage." I sent him a look, they were just going to hurt him and I was still going to have to go. I looked around to see my father and I found him, wishing I didn't. I could see the grief on the lines of his face. He wanted to go to Ashton, but couldn't. Ashton went lax, his eyes filled with pain.

I turned and walked to the stage, my foot almost catching on the last step. I gave a slight nod at Hermes. "Well, there you are. All that commotion for nothing." I looked down like I was shy, but was hiding the hatred on my face from him and the camaras. Doing that, my eyes locked with Haymitch. He raised his bottle, his eyes unreadable. He took a drink.

Hermes said. "Now, you stand hear, dearie." I did what he said, my eyes wide as I stared out. I hated the looks, I knew they were already saying goodbye. I could see it. I used to do the same thing when my classmate was chosen last year. "And now for the boys." He reached inside and a moment later, a slip of paper was in his hand. I swallowed, praying in my head it wasn't Ashton.

"Alloy Carrow." I frowned, because I didn't recognize it. I saw an older boy, older than me with lean muscle. He was from the Seam with short black hair, olive complexion and grey slate eyes. His jaw was stiff and I heard weeping from a woman that had to be his mother. He got on stage. I saw him give a deep swallow. It gave me relief, at least I wasn't the only one freaking out in my head.

Hermes flicked a piece of fake hair out of his eyes. "Now, shake hands." I shuffled forward, reaching out a clammy hand, his engulfing mine. We shook once and let go, moving backward.

"Happy, Happy, Hunger Games!"

I gasped awake, my head pounding in my chest and the silk sheets soaked with sweat. I groaned, rolling over and sitting up. "Dammit, always around the Games!" I was always dreaming about parts of the Games whenever I had to do it. I rubbed my face and saw it was day out. I got up and got into the shower, ignoring all the many nozzles and sprays available. Even after all these years, the Capitol's wealth was ridicious.

I got out, using the built in blow dryer. I ruffled my hand through my short damp hair. Dressing in ironed black pants, a blue shirt and scarf (of a lighter blue) like thing wrapped around my neck with nice shoes, I was ready to leave. I hated the impractical dresses and thanks to how I presented myself, my "Style" was more like this.

I walked past the doors on the train and ended up in the Dinning Hall, where Haymitch was sitting. He grinned. "There you are, Nico. Sit down." He waved a hand toward an empty seat next to him. I arched an eyebrow. "Wow."

He sent me the same look back. "What?"

"You don't smell like the Hob."

He rolled his eyes. "Very funny, Nico. You actually look invested in this conversation." He was refering to how my mind usually drifts during this time of the year.

I shook my head. "For now."

He chuckled. He looked at me, squinting a bit. "You okay, kid?"

I nodded, taping my fingers on my table. "Yeah."

Haymitch made a 'mm-hm' sound. I saw he was more sober than usual, but he did try for a bit during the time where we had to deal with the tributes if they showed some promise, not saying that it got him far. During mine, we had to knock him out of it. He usually started drinking soon enough. A couple of Avoxs came in with food and I nodded my thanks. I got up, grabbing two cups of coffee on the other side of the table. I put on in front of Haymitch, sitting back down. "Should help sobering up." He grumbled a curse a me and I grinned. I heard the suction of a door and my head snapped up on reflex. It was Peeta Mellark shuffling awkwardly toward the table.

Haymitch said. "Look who's awake."

I sent him a smile, nodding at the table. "C'mon, sit down." Just because I knew the outcome, does not mean I have to make their days worse, for however long they had. He sat across from us and I said. "Eat something, you're gonna want the energy." I was fixing a plate of eggs and bacon for myself. I felt his eyes on me, reminding myself I saw him a couple of times a week when I went into the bakery. I looked over and he glanced away, grabbing a bread roll. He didn't eat it, but rolled it in his hands. He also had a cup of hot chocolate. I shrugged it off, eating my food. I couldn't force him to.

I heard the sound again to see Effie rushing forward, Katniss Everdeen behind her. She looked surprised at the spread before her. Even as a merchant's child, I was just as surprised. Seeing all the food, the coffee, the rareness of orange juice from what I remembered and never ever having hot chocolate before, it was all shocking. Until after the Games, I saw the other Districts were just as bad off. Except for Districts 1 and 2 and they have their own problems.

Haymitch waved a hand. "Sit down, sit down!"

She was staring at the mug of hot chocolate. Peeta nodded. "They call it hot chocolate. It's good."

She sat down and took a sip of it.

Haymitch was already drinking, slipping liquor into his coffee. I ignored that and leaned back in my chair, drinking more coffee.

Katniss eyed the both of us. "So, you both are supposed to give us advice."

I nodded, raising an eyebrow at both of them. "That seems to be the goal of a mentor."

Katniss seemed to bristle at my tone, but switched her dark stare at Haymitch who laughed. "Here's some advice. Stay alive." I knew what he was doing, he was feeling out for them, seeing if he should 'waste' his time. We had tributes who burst into tears, raged, threw things and the like. I can't imagine what he's seen before I showed up as a Victor.

Peeta said. "That's funny." I was surprised at the edge in his tone, but shouldn't of been. I was thought of not being much of a threat with my good humor and I became the winner of the 68th Hunger Games. He knocked Haymitch's drink out of his hand and I moved my head, feeling my survival instinct kick in before I shoved it down. "Only not to us."

I laughed, grinning. It's been a while since I've seen something like that. Haymitch watched Peeta for a moment and then punched him in the jaw, knocking the boy out of his chair. I watched as Haymitch reached for the bottle, but Katniss slammed a knife into the table, stopping him. I looked at Haymitch and he raised his brows at me before looking back at the tributes. Peeta rose to his feet, sitting back down.

Haymitch asked. "Well, what's this? Nico, did we actually get fighters this year?"

I looked them over, seeing Katniss' glare and the bruise on Peeta's jaw. "Possibly." I was fighting with the part of myself that was telling me these kids were going to die. Just like last year and the year before that...

Not that once the Victors win, it's any better for them. I thought of all I had to do since becoming a Victor.

Peeta goes to take a clump of ice and put it on his jaw. Haymitch stopped him. "No, let the bruise show. The audience will think you've mixed it up with another tribute before you're in the arena."

Peeta said. "That's against the rules."

Haymitch says. "Only if they catch you. That bruise will say you fought, you weren't caught, even better."

I crossed my arms across my chest and leaned back in my chair. "The more attention you bring to yourself, the better chance you may have at sponsors during the Games."

Haymitch nodded and turned toward Katniss. "Can you hit anything with that knife besides that table?" I looked over at Haymitch, he was interested now.

She yanked the knife out of the table, grasped the handle and threw the knife. My eyebrows raised in approval as the blade sailed toward the wall, lodging between two panels in the wall. I smiled. Maybe...

Haymitch said. "Stand over there, both of you." I stood with him, ignoring the twinge in my leg from sitting too long. He looked them over, studying them. He started circling them, but I didn't move. "Well, you're not entirely hopeless. Seem fit. And once the stylists get hold of you, you'll be attractive enough."

I nodded along. "He's right. Once you're Capitol fit, first impressions are important and brings back the attention factor." I wasn't anything like Finnick and his popularity, but I made it so I was well liked enough by the Capitol people. Enough to protect my family.

Haymitch continued. "All right, I'll make a deal with you. You don't interfere with my drinking, and I'll stay sober enough to help you. But, you have to listen to us. Forrester, here, can help you understand your public image."

Peeta said. "Fine."

I paced for a moment in one direction and turned on my heel to face them. "It doesn't matter how you feel about..." I waved a hand to show the Capitol as a whole. "...don't let them see how you feel."

Peeta looked like he was taking it in, his face harder to read. Katniss on the other hand, was an open book. I could see the confusion of acting for the Capitol. Katniss asked. "Wait, what-"

I shook my head. "No, to the audience, appearance is everything. Hopefully, you get a good enough stylist who doesn't just cover you in coal dust. Just remember, listen to the stylists. It maybe be uncomfortable, but just do exactly what they say."

Peeta watched me, but Katniss said. "But, what about when we get to the Cornucopia, what is the best strategy-"

Haymitch nodded toward me. "She's right, follow what they say and don't resist." He grabbed a bottle and left.

Peeta asked. "Any other advice?" They both were looking at me.

I thought about it and nodded. "Yeah, look likable to the Capitol people when you get off the train."

Katniss said sharply. "They like you." I stared at her. I know I was on the camaras at times. I acted pleasing on purpose. It raised my hackles, I did what I had to. I wasn't going to let some kid judge me on that, especially with me trying to keep her alive. She kept her family fed and I kept mine from being killed by President Snow. Two different methods and the same outcome. I shook it off, kid was going off to her most likely death, she didn't need my aggression.

I made sure my thoughts were not on my face. I grinned at the girl. "Yeah, I'm quite the charmer." I grabbed a liquor bottle off a table, making sure I had a saundering walk until I was out of sight. I sighed.

We got a couple of fiesty kids this year. Even if District 12 could win, only one was making it out. And Katniss seemed more likely, but they never thought I would win either.

I was barely tipsy when the train stopped. I straightened the scarf on my neck and smoothed back my blond hair. Time to get ready for the crowds.

I walked out of the room and saw Peeta waving at the people outside the window. I laughed, putting my hands in my pockets. "Great thinking." Katniss was staring at Peeta, a hard look on her face.

I chuckled. "Kid, you ever hear the saying, you keep making faces, it will stick that way." That look was aimed at me, but I ignored it. I've seen way worse.

Katniss' mouth twisted in a scowl. "You-"

Effie burst through. "Come on! Come on! What's the delay!?" I saw Peeta's mouth quirk up in the corner. I let them go first, it's a better impression for the tributes to be seen before the previous Victor/Mentor. I felt Haymitch come over, drinking from a bottle in his hand.

"What do you think, kid?"

I watched their backs as they were pushed out the train by Effie. "Better than last year." He made a humming sound of agreement. I said. "Well, let's go."

I walked out with my charming 'Capitol' grin and waving. "Hello, everyone!" I saw the smiling faces and nodded at them, walking past people with another smile. Like I was the happiest I could be being there.

I walked over to the Renewing Station/stable to see off the new tributes. I was prepared to see a coal miner's outfit like they do every year, what they did for my year. I walked over to Katniss and Peeta, surprised. "Hello, tributes." They were in a simple black unitard, a cape behind them. I walked toward them, my hands in my pockets. "Don't you look striking."

They looked over at me. Peeta said tightly. "Are you sure this is safe?"

I asked. "What is?

Katniss replied. "These are supposed to light the cape on fire."

I tilted my head at them as they looked at me for an answer. "Only one way to find out is when they light it. It's safe, it's probably synthetic fire. They won't hurt you before the Games if they can help it." I nodded. "Your stylist did a good job. The audience won't expect this. Remember be friendly, they like friendly. It's a game to them." The last part came out a little bitter. Peeta's eyes flickered to mine, catching on. I stared back, giving nothing away. He was a sharp one.

Katniss asked, incensed. "Friendly? We're going to be killing each other."

I looked at her seriously. "Friendly. It might be the thing that saves you. Good Luck." I nodded at them again before leaving.

I walked to the viewing deck with other Victors, Haymitch was by Chaff, who had a missing hand, an older Victor from District 11. He was older than even Haymitch. I looked around, seeing Seeder, Johanna and her scowl from District 7, Gloss and Cashmire from District 1. Mags and Finnick Odair from District 4. Beetus from District 3. The viewing desk with open with a good view of the tributes and the parade.

I stood next to Johanna. "Having fun?"

Her tone was sharp. "The best. Trees, always the damn trees."

I chuckled, agreeing. "Or coal dust. Not as creative as they think they are." She scoffed. Seeing I wasn't going to get anything out of her, I walked over to Finnick Odair and Mags. Mags was an old woman, who did her best for her tributes to win their Games. It was one of the Career Districts, just less popular than 1 and 2. She won the 11th Hunger Games. She's been doing this longer than anyone else. "Hello, District 4."

Mags turned to me with a kind smile and I returned it. Her palms pressed to my cheeks in greeting and I patted her hand. She let go.

"Nico finally shows her face." I turned to see the teasing smile of Finnick. I grinned back, allowing him to grab my hand, pressing a kiss to it. I gave him a look of amusement. I pressed a kiss to his cheek. I could feel the camara and pretended it wasn't there, even if that never possible. Our behavior meant nothing, but the audiences ate it up. I could say I've made friends with a good amount of the Victors, Finnick being a good example of that. He was about three years older than I was. We have to deal with the Capitol our whole lives, might as well deal with it together.

I watched as charriots came over and the shout, "District 12!" My eyebrows arched at the flames on their capes. And with them holding hands, Katniss blowing kisses to the crowd. At least she listening to me.

"Interesting choice for costumes this year."

I nodded along to his words as we watched the parade. "Yes, no more jumpsuits, new stylists, I think."

He chuckled. "And you looked so great in that jumpsuit." I nudged him with a sound of disbelief.

The charriots went around the Circle with the screens showing each District's tributes, but it kept on going back to Katniss and Peeta. I looked back at Haymitch and he raised his glass in salute. I turned around. President Snow gives his usual speech. And I kept the thoughts of killing Snow off my face.

They disappeared inside the Training Center and I sighed. "I guess I should be heading off."

Finnick said, mock despair. "Must we part so soon?"

I said in the same tone. "It must be, my dearest Finnick." I saw Mag's smile. She didn't talk, but we could figure her hand motions and gestures easily.

I said lowly. "How is Annie?"

His body next to me stiffened slightly, but then forcibly relaxed. He said in the same volume. "Fine. Worse around this time." What he means is around the time of the Games.

Annie was in the 70th Hunger Games from District 4. She lost it after her district partner was killed in the Games, she road out a massive wave and survived. I haven't met her much, the way she is, even the Capitol doesn't want to show her and what the Games did to her. She and Finnick were close, I didn't ask. But, from I heard, she's not mentally all there. I'm not surprised, but she was kind from what I rememeber.

I patted his shoulder and left, waving a hand at a couple of Victors.

I felt a ringing in my ears, surprised and barely able to walk, but I did. The Peacekeepers pushed me toward a room, a man saying. "You have one hour with your family." The door shut behind. I wrung my hands, sitting on the edge of the couch in the room. I swollowed, ducking my head.

The door burst open and it was my brother, a little blood running from his temple. I got up in alarm. "Ash!"

He swiped a hand through it. "It's nothing." His hands grasped my shoulders. "Dammit...dammit." His wide eyes looked into mine and I could sense the helplessness, Ash saying goodbye. I felt myself tremble in fear. "You have to...you have to win. We can't lose you too." I swallowed back tears, nodding and shoving my face in his shoulder and gripping his shirt tightly. "My stupid little sister, you have to survive." Something usually said to tease me, I could hear the fondness and love behind his words.

I croaked. "I'll do my best."

He whispered. "I love you, sister."

I nodded in his shoulder, brushing away the tears in the process. "Yes, I know. I do too."

"'Letta." I darted my head up, only one person called me that. My father was a strongly built man, he was stocky, tall and had muscles built from being in his workshop. But, I watched as his eyes filled with tears, the one other time was of my mother's death. Ashton let me go, his eyes never leaving my face.

Dad's hands framed my face. "I-I want you to live, but no matter what I want you to know, whatever you do, I'll always be proud of you. No matter what." I hugged him tightly, feeling like this was the last time I would be able to. I watched as Ashton sat on the couch and put his head in his hands.

I nodded. "I'll try. I don't-I don't want to die." Ashton made a sound.

Dad nodded. "I know-you get to keep a token from your District, right?"

I blinked at the change of topic, but nodded. "Yeah, uh, I think so."

He reached inside his shirt. Ashton asked. "Dad?"

He pulled out a chain and I recognized it. He's had it for years. It belonged to his father as our metal workshop has been in the family from him. He wore it everywhere. I said. "I can't."

He nodded, pulling it over my head. "Allow me to be with you. Even if it is just a necklace. It was a silver color, pressed tightly into rings with a loss of shine because of age. I pressed my fingers against it. I glanced at Ashton, knowing it would go to him. He shook his head at me. "Don't think I'm going to fight you on this."

I tucked it under my shirt, I did not want those Capitol people seeing it. It was my family's, not for their show.

The door slammed open. "Times up."

Ashton jumped up, but they dragged him out. "Nico!"

I watched worriedly. "Don't hurt him. Ash! Calm down!"

Dad tugged me tightly. "I love you."

I gulped, doing the same back. "I love you, papa." It's been years since I called him that.

He was dragged out and the door slammed.

I couldn't help, but be relieved. I wanted to live and I knew I fight tooth and nail, but if that was my last memory of them...I'm happy that's it.

I sat on the bed of my room on District 12 and tugged off the scarf from around my neck. My hands went under my shirt and to the necklace. I never took it off.

I still had it to this day.