THE HOB WAS BUSY WITH PEOPLE. The stench of alcohol and musk in the air, you could practically feel the vibes radiating off of the place the minute you stepped inside and down that stairwell. 

Tonight was supposed to be a night only for the newcomer peacekeepers, Coriolanus, however, insisted that I'd come. 

Though, if he knew I was pregnant, I'm sure he'd have his vote go differently. 

The lights were dark yellow and dim-lit, and there were people dancing in the center. Everyone had joyous smiles on their faces and seemed like they were truly having a good time, even when they were merely only conversing with friends. 

Folk-sounding music lingered in the air and set the mood for the entire setting. 

"Hey, uh, I'm going to go get a drink." Sejanus tells Coryo and I, giving his arm a squeeze as he searched for the bar. 

I looked up at Coryo, but his jaw was set and he looked around the room with uncertainty. I gave his hand a tight squeeze and offered a smile too, one that he attempted to mimic once he met my gaze. 

Everything else in the world drowned out as I focused solely on making sure Coryo would be okay. He appeared anxious over something I wasn't sure what, but his eyes turned quickly from anxiety to disbelief and when I went to follow his gaze, I was met with Lucy Gray standing up on the stage right before our eyes. 

She's grinning from ear to ear and bliss is practically radiating off of her. With her hand, she begins with a strum of her guitar before singing and it's enough to silence the entire room. 

Her voice is a thing of eternal beauty and I'm not sure whether I should be envious or proud because she's won the Games and is now thriving. If I didn't know better, I'd think she never stepped foot in that arena with the way she's smiling now. 

I wonder how Coriolanus must feel. Seeing his tribute--the girl he helped survive--up on that stage living carefree and happily. 

If it had been me, in District 2, watching Mia tickling her little sisters in a field of flowers I bet I'd be feeling the way he's feeling now. With a subtle grin on my face and a warm feeling buzzing around in my belly. 

Everyone around me is truly captivated by Lucy Gray's stage presence and I can't blame them. She's effortless with her tone and gives a performance even when she's simply only using her voice. 

The music picks up and the band behind her starts to play. The groove is enough to make everyone in the room just want to drop everything and begin dancing. And I almost want to too. 

Lucy Gray's eyes fall on Coriolanus, then on me, and all I can do is grin at her with pride. She, too, beams at us--quickly recovering from the utter disbelief of seeing Coryo and I here, but it appears as though my welcoming smile has set ease to her. 

A body clashes into mine, nearly knocking me over as the man passes by me. Coryo is quick to hold me afloat. His arms wrapped around me as he pulls me to him, securing me as he gives the man passing by a deadening glare with a set jaw. 

"Lucy Gray!" the drunken man stumbles as he toggles over to where Lucy Gray stands on the stage, cutting all attention from her and to him. 

A shorter, red-haired woman follows behind and scolds him. "Billy Taupe!" 

He topples on the edge of the stage, nearly clashing with Lucy Gray as she steps back. 

The opposite woman is still trying to pull the man back when he shoves her back--a man nearly catches her and soon enough, a fight has broken out and beer bottles and glasses are being shattered and punches are being thrown. 

A fist collides with the side Coriolanus' face, and a small gasp slips out of my mouth. I'm not able to confirm whether he's okay or not, though, because there are bodies clashing everywhere and I'm nearly getting thrown like a ragdoll. 

Coryo takes my hand and he places another hand on my lower back, moving me with force through the crowd and escorting me outside. 

Once we've pushed past the doors, the cold air greets me and brings me so much relief I'm almost certain I could grin from ear-to-ear right now. 

Coryo removes his hand from mine and sets it on the side of my neck, just below my jawline as his blue eyes scan over my body, examining for any possible bruises or marks. "Are you okay?" 

I should be asking him the question but he's so quick to beat me to it, that I can't. I nod, threatening to break a smile before he--once again--beats me to it.