During her first few days out of District 13's hospital wing, Eliza followed her roommate around, trying to navigate the labyrinth of hallways and lifts that looked the same everywhere. Sabrina showed her everything, from how to imprint the daily schedule on one's forearm, to the best routes to get to the cafeteria and the training revenue.

Although nice, Sabrina did not seem particularly pleased to have Eliza with her constantly. The conversations they had until that point had been scarce, but in all fairness, Eliza could not really say she was mad about it. She was not really in the mood for conversations, and neither were Sabrina's friends and colleagues from District 13.

There was one time, though, when Sabrina did prove herself incredibly helpful. A few days into her new routine, Eliza was starting to feel uneasy about not having any news on Erica. It was already strange enough to be going around the district, not knowing most of the people she crossed paths with, but especially not even knowing how her only friend there was doing.

Truth was, for the last few years, Erica was the closest thing to family that Eliza had. She would forever feel in her debt for the way she helped her when no one else had, teaching her how to keep a few edible plants and helping her with food from time to time. Even if she was not that much older than her or swimming in money.

"I can take you to her," Sabrina said, once Eliza had explained why she had already brushed, did and undid her braid three times. "It's not fair that you can't visit each other. Just imagine that. She could be dying for all you know."

Seeing that was not the most reassuring of remarks, she quickly added.

"But don't worry! I'm sure she isn't! I'll take you to her, or them, at lunch time tomorrow."

Erica was not expecting to see her, but smiled excitedly, sitting on her armchair. The baby rested on a giant glass covered crib next to her, his or her belly upwards and the head covered with a tiny beanie.

"Liza, you came!" She could have cried at the sight of them, realizing they had not spoken since Erica passed out in her arms in the middle of the woods.

"I'm so glad you're ok," Eliza said, hugging her. She noticed her friend did not get up from the armchair, and let out a slight grunt of pain when they hugged.

"Look at her," her voice was low, as she stared lovingly at her sound asleep baby. Eliza melted at the sight of the tiny human, even if she couldn't help to notice she was even smaller than most new-borns.

"So she's a girl!"

"Yes. We named her Sarah like we had talked about and..."

Erica searched for Eliza's hands with hers, shaking her head.

"I can't believe you haven't seen her yet. I would not be here... we would not be here if it weren't for you."

"Don't say that." Eliza begged. "How are you feeling? Was it too bad? They didn't tell me anything, and I haven't seen Jacob since we arrived."

This time Erica couldn't hold back her tears.

"Well, it was...It's not like I felt anything...But they had to cut me up to get her out and..." She sniffled, and Eliza retrieved a tissue out of the box sitting on the table. "You know, we might have lost the district, but the irony is, if we hadn't, I wouldn't have survived. And neither would she."

She paused, trying to catch her breath.

"She wasn't in the right position, and had few deformities. The birth wouldn't have been easy, if possible at all..." Another sniffle. "That's what the doctor said, at least, but... You remember I said I had a bad feeling? I thought something might not be right all that time..."

She stared at the baby longingly, and Eliza followed, squeezing her hand.

"She wouldn't have stood a chance. Even if I delivered her, even if I survived it...she would not have lived. They had to put her through surgery almost immediately."

Erica held out her hand to touch the baby's through the hole in the glass cover, tears streaming down her face.

"It's a good thing they got to us so quickly then. Another day would have made a difference." Eliza said reassuringly, squeezing her hand harder. She was trying to hold back her own tears of relief. Another thing she could add to the list of reasons to be thankful to District 13 for.

Erica nodded and then shook her head, as if pushing the matter away.

"But let's talk about something else, please. What about you? Are they treating you well?"

Eliza blinked her tears away and smiled.

"Yes it's...strange, but I will definitely get used to the meals. And the people are nice enough, even if we just basically came to take their space and food away."

"Yeah, I thought about that too...but, I think they are not that bothered by it, you know? They...at least that's what I've heard...there's a dire need for children."

Eliza's head tilted in confusion.

"There was an epidemic a few years ago, and many people became infertile," she explained. "They were having trouble with the lack of young population so, a few hundred District 12 youngsters might do the trick."

"Now that you mention it, I don't think I've seen many kids since I got here."

"It could be that. Or it's just a rumor, who knows." Erica shrugged, looking back at the baby when she made a little movement.

"What about Jacob? Is he okay?"

"Yeah, but he's already in training," she explained. "They don't want to waste time, apparently."

"They even put me in it, if you can believe it." Eliza snorted, and got a laugh out of Erica.

"That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. I hope this keeps me away from that, at least. Just imagine the two of us working out together"

Eliza laughed, more out of despair than of anything else. She had never been particularly good at sports, but that was not really a surprise to anyone, since it is difficult to run fast when you're constantly under fed. However, once the training started, she realized she was much worse at it than most of the other people around her, even the oldest ones. She might have a bit more flexibility, but the lack of coordination, resistance and strength made the commanders scowl countless times in her direction.

"Erica, I'm so bad, you can't imagine," she moaned, covering her face with her hands.

"Don't worry, you'll get better with time."

"I'm not sure about that. Yesterday I failed the same thing around twenty times in a row. The commander on call just gave up. Told me to go shower earlier and to get my ideas straight."

Erica laughed, despite Eliza's desolated tone.

"You just have to hang in there until you find something you're good at. I'm sure they're not expecting everyone to be a Katniss Everdeen."

"Maybe..." They were interrupted by a knock on the door, with a nurse coming in with a food trolley. The baby got agitated with the noise, and Erica hurried, trying to calm her down.

"I should probably go." Eliza said, stepping away. "I'll try to come again soon."

Erica answered a quick goodbye, not really paying much attention, and Eliza's heart mellowed once again at the sight of both of them, as she left the room.