72nd Annual Huner Games pt.19 : Epilogue

Almost two years have passed. I’m about to mentor the 74th Hunger Games, but nothing is as bad as it was. With the help of others who have survived this, I have learned how to cope. “Hey, you can’t leave without saying goodbye.” Greyson peers in the doorway and smiles, rushing forward to spin me in a hug. After he puts me down we gently kiss and then stand in silence. He’s been the one to help me the most.

It took me a while to get used to the thought of loving someone else, but it wasn't something that was in my control. It simply happened. Now we are never alone in our houses, and we’re constantly together. I simply can’t stand being alone anymore. He makes the coping better and breathing easier. It took over a year for the nightmares to stop at night, but they finally have faded. I still remember everything that I went through and I know he has too, but together we can push through it.

I actually spent one day watching the highlights of his games. He was only 16, but he made friends among the careers as well and was close to the male from district 1, Jensen. Their arena was a giant system of caves surrounded by water. It was constantly dark with only dim lighting and, apparently, very cold. 11 of the tributes died from natural causes, it was considered to be one of the harshest arenas and made for some boring games according to the Capitol. It was hard to see him go through that considering how much I care for him.

He lifts my face up tenderly, breaking me from my reminiscing, and smiles, “Travel safe after the reaping. Good luck with your tributes. I’ll see you when you get back.” I wish he could come with me, I hate mentoring. Last year the female tribute, Sascha, died from a Gamemaker’s trick and the male, Bryce, made it to the final 4 only to be killed in his sleep by Mariya from 10. Once the screen goes black on both of your tribute screens, you feel empty. First you are filled with an overwhelming sense of guilt for not being able to keep them alive, and then you feel the pain from the games you had won rush back. The only thing that gets me through is Finnick. He’s become my best friend and he always manages to keep the mood light. Even when back home in district 2 I keep in contact with him, but we’re rarely allowed to visit.

I break once again from my trance and pull Greyson’s face down to mine. “I love you Grey,” I whisper as I kiss him one last time. “Love you too,” He releases my hand and I make my way to the train station – he still has to go to the reaping, although he can’t be picked again. As a mentor, I don’t see who gets reaped until I meet them on the train. I hear scuffling behind me and turn around in time for a hug from Kylia. I am eternally grateful to her for helping me through the games and all her tips for mentoring. “I can’t believe you thought you could leave without at least saying goodbye.” I laugh and return her hug. “Thanks, but I have to go!” She nods and waves me off as I leave again. As far as friends in district 2 go, they’re still pretty scarce.

I have Greyson, Kylia, a victor named Rhea, and two workers Jaison and Miranda. Jade won’t speak to me anymore. When I got back from the games, the first thing I did after seeing my parents and new house was go to find her. But when I got there, she seemed afraid if me. I tried to convince her I was the same person but she couldn’t accept it. She blames me for Treyvor’s death, but I try to not let her make me feel guilty. I couldn’t have been my fault, I tried everything to keep him alive but I could only do so much.

I arrive at the train station and board the one I’m designated to. I head to the bar car and pour some vodka. Although I’m only 19, they don’t enforce the drinking law. I’m going to need all the help I can get to get through this. I lie down on the couch and think to myself. Wondering about a future where there are no more games, where there is only unity among the districts and there is no overpowering Capitol. This is a far reach and probably won’t happen in my lifetime, but maybe, given time, it will be a possibility.

I sit up when I hear the train doors open. Time to meet the tributes. I set down the glass and head to the main car. I see the female tribute standing with her arms folded against the doorway. I know her, she just turned 17 and no doubt volunteered. Her name was Clove. She was always skilled at practice and tried to intimidate the others with her dark hair and eyes. When she walked away, I was not prepared for who was standing behind her.

The male tribute for the 74th Hunger Games was no other than Cato Rikerman.
I’m glad I set my glass down or I would have most definitely dropped it. He turned towards me and cocked his head with a smirk, “Well hello there, Angel. Now this should be fun.”