Never in his life did Wonder envision himself standing atop the platform reserved only for families of dead tributes.
And yet…
The girl onstage being given flowers and a plaque is not his big sister. It's her ally. Jemima. The girl who, against all odds, managed to carve out a place for herself in District One's gilded, bleeding heart.
She locks eyes with him and instantly stiffens up. Her pale skin turns even paler. Only god knows how she must be feeling right now.
So, he misters up enough energy to give her a single slow nod of acknowledgement.
When Jemima's speech is read out by Twelve's escort, the crowd begins to sob. Wonder's mother is one of them.
Wonder's mother never cries.
It scares him.