20 Years Ago

"Tyler! Tyler!"

He was home. Her voice meant home.

Aila.

His victory tour had been going fine. He'd given his speeches, he'd shaken the hand of every District mayor with a beaming smile.

It had all been going fine until he got to the Capitol party. Until Snow pulled him aside for a little chat.

The elderly woman working as their District escort was trying to signal Tyler to wave to the crowd waiting for him.

His whole District had shown up to support his return. But he was not in the mood for celebration. He just wanted to hold his Aila.

Grave consequences.

Who knew what that'd mean? Would Snow refuse to provide Tyler with his yearly winnings? It'd be hard to get by, but he'd manage. He couldn't bear the alternative.

But he could see her face in the crowd. Smiling up at him, waving enthusiastically. She was just as happy to see him as he was to see her it seemed.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome back to District 4, the winner of the 55th Hunger Games, Tyler Silvergaze," the mayor applauded.

He was a decent man this new mayor. Young, which was nice for a change. The past mayors had been old and unwilling to get out and about in the town to visit the fishing villages, the poorer parts.

This mayor was young and spritely and seemed to genuinely enjoy getting out amongst the people and shaking everyone's hands.

He had a young family. His wife Azalea, and their 4-year-old daughter.

Tyler glanced back at Azalea and the young girl. The kid looked absolutely bored, clinging onto her mother's skirt as she rested her face against her leg.

When Azalea noticed Tyler watching them, she quickly tapped her daughter's shoulder, and the kid sprung into action and stood up straight.

"Tyler, Tyler," the mayor summed the victor forward to wave to the crowd. "We're going to get in those cars over there," he pointed out. "All the prep for the dinner tonight will take place at my house."

"What?" Tyler's eyes widened. He wanted to go see Aila. He knew he had to go to the mayor's for dinner, but he thought he'd have time to himself between now and then.

"It'll be fine," the mayor assured, misunderstanding what he was worried about. "I mean, it's fancy dress, but you don't have to worry. It's just the Capitol escorts, victors and my wife and I."

"I just uh…" Tyler trailed off as he looked over at Aila in the crowd. He did not want to offend the mayor, that wouldn't work out well for him, but he was just so desperate to see Aila.

Caspian followed his eyeline. "Oh," he put two and two together. "Is she your girlfriend?"

"Yeah," Tyler nodded.

"I tell you what," Caspian pulled him towards the car. "You get in the car with me, open the door, and leave the other side. No one will see. I'll tell Mags you're ok. Go and see your girlfriend, and then come in the back door to my place by 4 pm."

"Really?" Tyler's eyes widened.

"Yeah, go for it, kid. You've been away for two weeks. You deserve it."

"Thank you," Tyler breathed already imagining his reunion with Aila. He could get there before her and surprise her before she got back home.

Tyler stood by the side of Aila's house, his heart pounding with anticipation. He couldn't wait to see her, to feel her arms around him after being away for two weeks. He scanned the street eagerly.

Suddenly, he spotted her, walking down the street, a solemn look on her face. She was just as dejected as he was at the thought of not seeing each other.

"Aila!" he called out, unable to contain his excitement.

Aila turned at the sound of her name, her eyes widening in surprise. When she spotted Tyler standing there, a mix of surprise and joy lit up her face. Without a moment's hesitation, she raced towards him, her laughter ringing in the air.

"Tyler!" Aila exclaimed, her voice filled with happiness.

Tyler's heart soared as she reached him, and he pulled her into a tight embrace. They held each other for a long moment, savouring the feeling of finally being reunited. Aila's arms wrapped around him, holding him close as if she never wanted to let him go.

"I missed you so much," Tyler murmured, his voice soft with emotion.

Aila pulled back slightly, her eyes sparkling as she gazed up at him. "I missed you too. I'm so glad you're back. I didn't think I was going to be able to see you today."

"The Mayor let me leave to see you. I have to get back at 4 o'clock."

"He did?" Aila's eyes widened in surprise.

"Yeah. He seems nice," Tyler smiled as he brushed some hair out of her face.

"So how was the Capitol?" Aila asked, a mixture of eagerness and curiosity in her voice.

Tyler's heart skipped a beat at her question, his mind racing back to the memories of President Snow's proposition and the weight of the consequences tied to his refusal.

Grave consequences.

He felt a surge of apprehension, not wanting to burden Aila with the dark and dangerous aspects of his visit to the Capitol. Only for a moment did he consider confiding in his partner.

But he hesitated, the memory of Snow's ominous warning echoing in his mind.

Gazing into Aila's bright eyes, filled with genuine curiosity about the glitz and glam of the Capitol, he couldn't bring himself to share the sinister truths that lingered beneath the surface.

"It was… good," Tyler responded, his voice cautious. He forced a smile as he brought his focus back to her, trying to push aside the coldhearted words of their President.

Aila looked at him, her brow furrowing slightly, sensing a shift in his demeanour. "Are you sure? You seem a little off."

Tyler's smile faltered momentarily, but he quickly masked his unease. "I'm fine, really," he assured, bending down to kiss her. "I just missed you, that's all."

He didn't want to worry her or drag her into the dark complexities of the true Capitol. He wanted to protect her in every sense, both physically and mentally.

Aila studied his face for a moment, concern flickering in her eyes, but she chose not to push further. Instead, she tightened her grip on him, leaning forward to let her head rest against his chest.

"If you say so," she replied softly.

Her presence alone was soothing for his thoughts.

"OH!" Aila gasped, pulling away from his embrace, her eyes alight with excitement. "Oh, I have something to tell you! I passed my last exam! Top of the class! I'm going to be able to study to be a doctor!"

Tyler's face lit up with genuine happiness. "That's incredible, Aila! I knew you could do it! You're going to be an amazing doctor, I just know it. The best in the District I bet."

"Stop," she beamed, a blush rising on her cheeks. "I can't wait to start studying! It's all I've ever wanted. And knowing you're back home now, it feels like everything is falling into place. Everything's just perfect."

"I'm so proud of you, Aila," Tyler felt a surge of pride as he looked down at his genius girlfriend. Her passion was inspiring.

"Thank you, Ty," Aila's cheeks flushed with happiness, her eyes shimmering with excitement. "I guess that was the one good thing about you going away for two weeks," she smiled mischievously. "There was no one to distract me."

"Oh, a distraction am I?" he smirked.

"The best kind," she whispered.

"And I've got you!" Tyler heard the mayor yell as he stepped in the back door. He had to quickly take a step back so he didn't get run over as the mayor swept his giggling daughter up in his arms.

"Daddy put me down!" she laughed as she writhed around.

"What's the magic phrase?"

"Daddy is cool! Daddy is cool!" she laughed as her dad tickled her stomach.

"There we go," he nodded in approval. "Oh, hi Tyler," he smiled as he noticed the victor standing awkwardly in the kitchen as he put his daughter back on the ground. "Do you want to say hi to Mr Silvergaze, Tay?" he asked the child, who immediately shook her head and grabbed her dad's hand. "She's a little shy," Caspian explained.

"That's ok," Tyler smiled awkwardly as he waved at the kid. She didn't look too impressed at his efforts though and just frowned.

"Did you have a nice nap?" Taiya asked nervously, hiding half her face behind her dad's arm.

"Huh?" Tyler frowned, not knowing what she was talking about.

"Your nap," she enunciated further.

"Mags was a little worried," Caspian explained. "So I told her you were having a rest after the overwhelming welcome you received," he explained. "Little Miss here," he ran his hand down the back of his daughter's head. "Thought it was very cool that you were having a nap at the same time she was."

"There you are," Mags sighed in relief as she walked into the kitchen and saw her victor standing with the mayor.

"Sorry Mags," Tyler apologised immediately.

"Did you have a nice lie-down?" she asked.

"Uh, yes, yes I did," he smiled.

"Well, I'm glad you're up. Buck said I was going to have to come and wake you up. Come with me," she waved him over. "Your prep team has been waiting."

Tyler nodded as he made his way over to his mentor. She'd helped him so much with readjusting himself to the life of a victor. It was a struggle, but he'd never be able to repay her for her generosity.

"Tag, you're it," he heard Taiya yell as he left the kitchen.

"You better run munchkin!" the mayor indulged his daughter, and then he heard the sound of thundering footsteps as they resumed chasing each other around the kitchen.

Tyler had to smile. That's what he wanted for his future. With Aila. A little brood of children running around, playing games.

Even if Snow withheld his winnings as a punishment, he'd still be able to get by. He was a good fisherman, his grandfather had trained him well. He'd be able to make a good enough income to support him, Aila and their family.

If that's what Snow meant by grave consequences, well, then he guessed it wasn't so 'grave' after all.

The long dining table at the mayor's home in District 4 was covered with an array of local dishes. All prepared in celebration of Tyler's return from his Victory Tour. It made Tyler nauseous to look at this food when he thought about what he had to do to get it.

23 kids dead. 1 comes out.

Tyler sat at the centre, pretending to bask in the warm atmosphere.

Caspian raised his glass, beaming proudly at Tyler. "To our District 4 Victor, Tyler! You've made us proud!"

"Cheers," everyone echoed, and the clinking of glasses echoed through the room as they toasted Tyler's victory.

"I know it's only my second year as Mayor," Caspian continued. "But I appreciate the support you've all shown me and my family," he tilted his glass towards Azalea who sat at the end of the table quietly. She hadn't said much to Tyler. Every time he'd seen her, she'd turn away and go off in search of her daughter.

Tyler felt Mags gently nudge his arm and he knew he had to say something.

"Thank you," Tyler nodded. "It's been an honour welcoming you into your new role."

That seemed to satisfy Caspian, who smiled at the young man and lowered his glass back to the table.

"So. Tyler," Mayor Ambersnow smiled. "Tell us about your girlfriend, Aila Pennyway," curiosity gleamed in his eyes.

That was enough to make Tyler more than comfortable. His whole face lit up with a wide smile at the mention of Aila.

"She's doing great," he nodded enthusiastically. "I can't wait for you to meet her Mags. She's just so incredible. She works down at the volunteer doctor's clinic, near the docks after school. If you ever get stuck with a fishing hook, she'll sort you out. She just got into medicine school as well, so she'll start studying in a few months. She's amazing."

"Her father owns the 'Pearl' boat correct?" Caspian asked.

"Yes," Tyler swallowed nervously. Aila's dad was very vocal about his anger at the state of the District lately. The Capitol had raised the taxes, and he thought the Mayor should've worked harder to push back against it. He had been hoping the Mayor wouldn't put two and two together. Aila was a sweet girl, her father verging on being a rebel wasn't a reflection on her.

The Mayor didn't ask any further questions about her father though. He understood it was not the mood they were going for this evening.

So the evening continued relatively smoothly. Until the next year's Games were brought up.

"You know Tyler, we've been thinking about giving Buck a break from mentoring," Caspian said.

Buck didn't even want to be at this dinner. He'd been sitting sourly in his seat, refusing to utter a word. Which was pretty much his mentoring tactic as well. Tyler was relieved he had Mags looking out for him. He was sure Buck did a fine job at getting gifts, but his overall demeanour was gruff and not all that comforting.

"We were contemplating you as a mentor for the next Hunger Games. Being our most recent victor, your insights could be invaluable to helping your classmates," Mayor Caspian suggested, his tone hopeful. Maybe this could trigger a new wave of winners for the District. More kids they could help bring back home to their families.

Tyler's enthusiasm, however, dimmed immediately at the thought. He wanted to avoid President Snow as much as humanely possible, going back to the Capitol to mentor would not be the way to do that. "I'm honoured, Mayor Caspian. But, I don't know if I could… I mean, those Games… it'd be hard to go back after what I've seen."

A silence fell over the table. Caspian was no longer looking at the latest victor, no. His eyes were focused on his wife, nothing but concern evident in his gaze.

Tyler turned his head to look at Azalea. Her expression was hardened, her gaze fixed on her husband. She remained composed, but her apprehension was palpable.

"It's alright Tyler," Mags interjected, trying to recover the shift in the atmosphere. "It'll take some time to think. The Games aren't easy for any of us."

"No they aren't," Azalea muttered quietly, turning her head as she took a sip of wine.

Tyler wouldn't comment on it, but he saw a tear slip down the woman's cheek.

He still remembered the sound of her wail five years ago. The moment Tayla Kelpin's name was drawn out of the reaping bowl along with three others. The 50th Games.

It was hard to forget the sight. The sight of a sister screaming for her younger sister. Too old to volunteer to spare her, but still trying to none-the-less.

No one in the District mentioned it, but they all remembered the sight of Azalea being held back by her brother and new husband as they watched the 17-year-old girl walk up to the stage.

"This fish is great," Todd tried to ease the tension as he shoved some food in his mouth. "Just exquisite."

"Yes!" Caspian smiled, thankful for the change in conversation. "All locally sourced of course. It's a great way to support our fisherman."

Just as the conversation began to pick up again as everyone spoke about the food, filling the lull left by the tense discussion, a door to the dining room swung open and the Mayor's daughter, Taiya, stumbled in.

"Oops," she muttered as she looked back at the door as if it had personally attacked her. "I wasn't doing anything wrong," she immediately defended herself.

"Were you listening at the door again?" Caspian smiled. This obviously wasn't an unusual occurrence.

"No," Taiya shook her head with a smile. She was not being entirely truthful.

Azalea, seizing the opportunity to leave the table, swiftly intervened.

"Oh darling," she stood up with a laugh before racing over to her daughter and lifting her to rest her on her hip. "You know eavesdropping is naughty," she lightly tapped the girl's nose. "Come on, back to bed darling. I'll tuck you back in."

Azalea's eyes met Tyler's for a fleeting moment, she didn't even try to hide the resentment evident in her eyes before she hastily left the room with Taiya, leaving an air of discomfort in her wake.

Caspian cleared his throat, breaking the uneasy silence that had settled over the table.

"I apologise Tyler. The Games are still a very sensitive topic for Azalea. I hope it doesn't ruin your evening."

Tyler nodded. "No need to apologise, Mayor Ambersnow. I understand. The Games affect us all."

"That they do," Caspian agreed quietly, glancing at the door his wife had gone through. Snapping himself out of his thoughts, he clapped his hands. "Just wait until you see what they've prepared for dessert."

The sun hung low as Tyler and Aila strolled through the bustling fishing village of District 4. The rhythm of the waves lapped against the shore and the salty scent of the sea filled the air.

"Alright Mr Surly," Aila squeezed his hand. "Spill. What's on your mind?"

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"You've been frowning since we started walking, come on, you can tell me," she rubbed his arm.

Tyler took a deep breath, choosing his words cautiously. "Aila, there's something I need to tell you. The mayor… he knows about your dad."

Aila's eyes widened in surprise. "My dad? Are you sure?"

Tyler sighed, his tone sombre. "I mentioned you. He knew what boat your dad owned."

"I thought you said the mayor was nice?" Aila asked confused.

"He is," Tyler nodded. "He does want to improve things here. But his job is also to help maintain peace and order on behalf of the Capitol. He's involved in the community, which means he hears things. He'll know your dad didn't comply with the Capitol's increased taxes. He'll know your dad is the one protesting. And if he's on the mayor's radar, he might be on the Capitol's too."

Aila's expression turned worried. "But what can I do?" she stressed. "Dad refuses to pay the increased tax. He wants to take a stand."

Tyler hesitated, he didn't want to upset her, but she had to know. "I understand Aila. But taking a stand against the Capitol isn't a safe option. Your family's safety is what matters."

Aila sighed, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "I've tried to convince him, Tyler. I really have. But he's refusing. He's determined to stand up for what he believes in, even if it puts us all in danger. The fisherman can't take much more of this. The tax burden increases every year but the wages don't go up. These men have children they're struggling to feed."

"Look," Tyler bent lower so he could whisper to Aila. "What if you offer to deliver the taxes to the finance institute yourself? You could come past mine on the way, my earnings should come in soon and I'll chip in the difference. That way your dad thinks he's protesting, but you'll be safe."

"Tyler, no," she immediately shook her head. "I won't let you do that."

"Aila," he stopped walking and pulled her to face him. "I can't let you or your family be in danger. This is dangerous. Please. Let me do this."

Aila bit her lip before she reluctantly nodded. Her father not paying the taxes was putting way too much danger on her family. She couldn't stand by and just watch.

Mayor Ambersnow had played a role in punishments being reduced. There'd been no floggings or executions since he'd been given the role. But for a crime like tax evasion, that would be out of the mayor's hands. That'd be dealt with at the Peacekeeper's discretion, and she knew they wouldn't be lenient.

"Thank you," Tyler kissed her head.

Aila went to say something else when she was abruptly interrupted by distant yelling that echoed through the village.

Tyler and Aila glanced at each other with worry, but their curiosity was piqued, albeit tinged with apprehension.

"Something's wrong," Aila's voice shook.

"I'm going to take a look," Tyler took a step away from her.

"Tyler, no," she pulled him back. "Don't get involved. It might not be safe."

Tyler hesitated, torn between his instinct to investigate, and his need to stay with Aila. She had a point, it was doubtful that yelling in the heart of the fishing village would be a safe event, but Tyler didn't want to ignore it.

"Someone might need help."

Aila's reluctance was evident, but she sighed in resignation. "Just stay by my side ok? And be careful," she wrapped her hand around his again.

They hastened their pace towards the sound of commotion, weaving through some of the laneways to get there faster.

As they approached, they witnessed a sight that fuelled both of their concerns.

A ragged-looking fisherman with tattered clothes was sprinting desperately, a loaf of seaweed bread clutched tightly in his hands.

Behind him, Peacekeepers were in hot pursuit, their authoritative demeanour intimidating amidst the usually peaceful village.

"He took a loaf of bread!" Aila exclaimed in a hushed tone, her eyes widening at the scene unfolding before them. This was her father's exact point. The increased taxes would make people desperate. Desperate enough to steal to get by. That was not a crime the Peacekeepers took lightly.

District 4 was a wealthy district compared to some others, and petty crimes were quite low. So when they did occur, the Peacekeepers felt obliged to make an example out of it.

Winning the 55th Hunger Games meant that every household in District 4 would be given a supply of food. No one should be hungry. It was such a shame the supply train was delayed due to servicing…

This man needed food now.

"He needs to stop," Tyler's jaw clenched. "They'll shoot him."

"Stop!" Aila yelled out at the man, but he wasn't listening to any of the words of warning people were screaming at him. No, he was searching for a way out.

"I'm going to try to grab him," Tyler released her hand.

"What! Tyler! No!" she immediately protested, pulling him back.

"I'm a new victor, they can't shoot me. They'll hesitate if I'm in the way. Let me try."

"Tyler no, this is silly," she shook her head. She couldn't let him do this.

"Stay here, Aila," he kissed her quickly. "I promise, I'll be right back."

Aila bit her lip. There was no changing his mind. "If it looks dangerous you let him go."

"I swear," he nodded, releasing his hold on her and running towards the man. "Hey, wait!" Tyler shouted, attempting to grab the man's attention. "Stop!"

The man, his eyes wide with panic, darted past stalls and barrels, completely tuning out Tyler's pleas.

Tyler quickened his pace, positioning himself between the man and the fast-approaching Peacekeeper, hoping to block their line of sight. If they could only see Tyler, he just had to hope they wouldn't shoot.

"Please, just stop for a moment!" Tyler urged, his voice straining as he gestured for the man to halt. But the fisherman remained fixated on escape, determined to evade capture at any cost. "I can get you some food ok? I'll get you food, but if you don't stop now I won't be able to help you!"

The man seemed to have found an exit though, and he sprinted away. Right towards the alley Tyler had left Aila standing in front of.

"Aila! Move!" Tyler yelled, fear gripping his throat.

Aila was frozen, she didn't move, and she didn't even seem to hear Tyler's warnings. Her eyes were focused on the man sprinting towards her.

One Peacekeeper had enough, and a loud bang sounded through the square.

Tyler jolted, flinching back on instinct before a second bang rang out.

It only took a moment to realise that the Peacekeepers had shot him. Shot him in front of Aila.

Tyler whipped his head around, but she was no longer standing there.

There were two bodies on the ground. "NO! NO!" Tyler roared, shoving through the fast-growing crowd that had converged upon the girl and fisherman. "MOVE!" he screamed, shoving a man to the ground. "Aila," his breath caught in his throat.

She was lying on the ground. Red pooled around her, flowing from a spot in the middle of her chest.

"Aila!" he threw himself to the ground and pulled her to him, cradling her in his embrace.

Her once vibrant eyes seemed dimmer, exhaustion and tears evident on her face.

Tears streamed down Tyler's cheeks, his anguish raging as he held her close.

Despite the tears, Tyler's voice was firm. "Stay with me, Aila," he urged, his tone resolute, yet with waves of desperation flooding through. He brushed a stray lock of hair from her forehead, his touch gentle yet filled with a sense of helplessness.

The Peacekeepers had already dragged the fisherman's body away. They hadn't lingered to help.

Aila's lips trembled. "It doesn't hurt. Why doesn't it hurt? Tyler!"

"It's because the bullet only grazed you," Tyler lied, holding his hand even harder against her wound. "No, no, no, no," he sobbed, he couldn't stem the bleeding. "GET A DOCTOR!" he screamed, and a man immediately took off running.

"Tyler," Aila weakly tipped her head back. She smiled weakly at him, her hand trembling as she gripped his wrist. "I don't think they're going to get here on time."

Tyler's heart clenched in agony. "No, no, please," he begged. He pressed his forehead against hers, unable to hide the devastation in his eyes. "Just hold on for me ok? We're getting you help."

Being closer to her, he could hear the sounds of her breaths.

They were shallow, each one seeming to be a struggle.

Aila shook her head slightly, her grip on his wrist already weakening. She was fading. "It's ok," she sobbed. "It's okay. I'll be ok. I… I love you. I just wish I could have loved you longer. I'll always love you."

"You're not going anywhere, don't talk like that," Tyler denied, but his throat was tightening. The doctor wasn't going to make it.

Aila's breaths became sporadic, her eyes darting around before locking back onto Tyler's.

"You need to promise me you'll keep going Tyler, please. Please. Keep going. Help my dad. Please don't…" she sobbed, tears streaming down her face.

"Aila! Aila!" Tyler yelled as he watched her eyes slip closed. "No, no, hey you don't get to do that Aila! Wake up! Wake up!"

She didn't answer, but her hand slipped from Tyler's grasp, and her breaths faded into nothing.

"No. No. No. This isn't happening. Come on Ails, wake up! Please Aila, please. I need you. I need you."

Tyler's heart shattered into a million pieces that day. He only let Aila go when Buck arrived and gently pulled him away, letting the doctors take the girl's body.

Grave consequences.

He wasn't able to save Aila, but maybe he could save the next couple.

ShiaraS46: Right Peeta and Jo are improving a little bit! I didn't have a crush on Snow reading the book, but the movie... let's all blame Tom Blyth. But also I'm like yeah, no, this guy is insane, and I feel like so many of these TikTok's show so many people have missed the point, because they see him as more of a sad romantic character. Like girl no! In the book his thoughts are so out of touch with reality. Like every move he makes is calculated and he looks at Lucy Grey as though she's a possession, not a person. But for TVD, I will say I was a Klaus girl until Kol came on, and then I was like, yep him (not the actor tho)

EllieCast4: you make me blush! But I kind of wanted to give people a heart attack and be like oh no... Peeta and then be haha! SIKE! Peeta's good, it's just our girl who's a little unhinged sometimes lol. Peeta so badly needed a friend group in the series, because he was so alone because basically everyone pushed him away, it's so sad.