When I woke up the high was gone, and it was four o’clock in the morning. But I didn’t really care about the time, I was up and I didn’t want to stay in bed, which would bring dreams, so I simply got up and pulled my robe on, not bothering to tie it since the cars would be empty. Ruffling my hair, I walked into the dining hall in almost a sleep walk. All the lights were off except three bulbs above the window. I saw a figure sitting at the table; head slumped over and seemingly asleep. I walked closer, nervous that it might be dead, but saw that it was just John, his hand resting next to a half full tea cup. Too polite to refuse any of Mrs. Hudson’s offers I see. Even though it was early, there was a bowl of fruit on the table for any midnight snacks. I picked up an apple, sitting in the chair opposite of the sleeping tribute with amusement. His head was turned sideways and he was snoring slightly, I couldn’t help think about how adorable he was when asleep. I debated waking him up or sticking grapes up his nose or something to have some comic relief, but I realized that might end up killing him, so I just lounged in the chair and ate my apple halfheartedly. It was a lot better than anything I would’ve found in District Twelve, so crisp and fresh; this bloody capital food was always good. When I was finished with my makeshift breakfast I threw the core in the small trash can, which was golden with fancy designs. That trash can itself probably cost as much as my old house had in the District. I debated waking John up, but decided against it, walking back into the living room and sitting on the couch. It was dark in here, and with the shapes moving outside I didn’t feel very safe. Out of the corner of my eye I was sure there was someone hunting me down, a tribute outside with a bow… I closed the thick curtains on either side of me. Now the only light was leaking through the sliding doors, but even that wasn’t very light. If I could convince myself I was back in my house in the victor’s village and not on this train of death I might be able to calm down more. I sat on the couch with my head in my hands, running my fingers silently through my hair. That was the most violent sleep attack I’ve ever had, I know that it was on the train with bad memories and all, but it really scared me. Wonder if next time I attack a person, go to their room thinking it was a cave and I was back in the games? There was no limit to what I might do, I was a danger to everyone on this train, including myself. I sat in silence and darkness for a while, it was very calm and relaxing and for some reason just helped me lose my mind on other topics. I knew the other victors before hadn’t been able to stand the dark, they would sleep with all their lights on, but I was the opposite. I liked not being able to see, it was like my problems disappeared with my sight, and I was quite okay with that. I was shaken out of my peaceful world when the door opened. It was John, I could see from the outline of the door. We were the only two men on this train, and unless Mrs. Hudson had been working out it had to be him. I saw him, but he didn’t see me, obviously. My eyes were used to the low light, but after the door shut I could hear him running into things as if he was blind. It was quite funny actually, he cursed a lot, and when he almost fell over the armchair I had to hold in my laughter. When he finally saw me he screamed under his breath, jumping back a couple of feet in shock. Now I was free to laugh.
“Not as innocent as you come across huh?” I pointed out. I heard him laugh silently, but he didn’t come over. “I hope your parents don’t know you talk like that.”
“They’re worlds away.” He defended. “Not to be rude, or anything, but are you awake?”
“I certainly hope so, but yes.” I said. He walked back over, making his way blindly though the gaps between couches.
“Why is it so dark in here?” he asked cautiously, as if it was a very personal question.
“The darkness comforts me.” I said simply.
“Oh.” He managed to make it to the couch, and sat down across from me.
“Why did you fall asleep at the dining room table?” I asked with amusement.
“I tried to turn her down, but Mrs. Hudson practically made me have tea.” He pointed out.
“You just have to learn to say no.” I insisted.
“I tried, but she wanted me to calm down or something.” he shrugged.
“What woke you guys up?” I asked nervously.
“Well, Molly must’ve heard you fall, because she was running down the hall, Mrs. Hudson was woken up by that apparently, and when she screamed that’s what woke me.” he explained.
“She screamed?” I asked.
“Well, when I came in, you were, uh, hacking at the post, you looked almost rabid, it was actually kind of scary.” John admitted. I sighed, I had feared that.
“It was a bad dream.” I explained.
“About the games?” John asked.
“No, I was hunting zombies.” I snapped.
“Sorry sir, just curious.” He defended.
“How long did it take me to wake up?” I asked.
“After it snapped in half, Molly kept calling your name, finally you seemed to come to.” He explained.
“I didn’t hurt anyone though?”
“No.”
“Lucky. That could’ve gotten really bad.” I guessed.
“Is this an annual thing?” he asked. I couldn’t let him know how bad it was after you win, so I shook my head.
“Some nights I have nightmares, but I think it’s just this train that triggered memories.” I explained. He nodded.
“I’m really sorry that happens.” He decided.
“It’s not your fault.” I pointed out.
“I know, but I’m just saying I’m sorry it actually happens.” John explained kind of nervously.
“Well, I am too.” I decided.
“Why are you up so early?” he asked.
“I woke up, so I didn’t feel like going back to sleep.” I explained. It was sort of true, I woke up and I didn’t feel like injecting myself with more drugs, so I just woke up. I didn’t require much sleep anymore, my nights usually consist of staying up with paranoia, I was actually quite pleased that I managed to get some sleep in.
“Will we arrive at the capital today?” John asked.
“If everything goes right yes, and to be honest I doubt there is anything to go wrong.” I agreed.
“Is it scary there? In real life I mean, I’ve seen some broadcasts.”  He added.
“It’s quite scary because at first you think they’re aliens.” I laughed.
“I heard some actually reconstructed themselves so they have cheetah print skin, is that true?” John asked with a laugh.
“Unfortunately, it’s disgusting if you ask me. I think I saw one with purple skin once, completely purple, like a walking plum.” I said, remembering my first trip to the capital. I have been there a couple of times now, for the tribute center of course, for the crowning and the interview, and we stopped briefly on the victor’s tour. Before the games I was no one, just another dead tribute, but after I actually killed people I was everyone’s hero, claiming that they’d been rooting for me all along, and that they would’ve funded but they ‘forgot’. It was quite pathetic, but they all want different things, some wanted to get my attention for money, or simply for a photo, and there even those crazy girls that tried to kiss me. I thought that was revolting, so now I have a habit of walking as far as I could from everyone.
“I’m supposed to smile right, be all nice?” he asked.
“After all of that cursing I doubt that would be possible.” I laughed.
“Thankfully in the capital I’m not wondering around the dark am I?” he pointed out.
“To answer the first question yes, make the crowd like you, work your best feature. Yours will probably be innocent, you’re very cute, and….” John looked at me with a raised eyebrow, and I realized how that had come out. “No, not like, attractive cute, but as in childish cute, people would want to fund the one that reminds them most of a child, because they don’t want to see someone like you get brutally murdered.” Even through my explanation I felt my cheeks blushing with embarrassment.
“Well, at least people will find me because I look ten.” John sighed.
“How old are you?” I asked.
“Sixteen.” He muttered. “And you?”
“Eighteen.” I said.
“You look a lot older.” He commented.
“You look a lot younger.” I added with a small smile. I couldn’t tell in the low light if he was blushing or not, but a small part of me said that he was.
“Don’t you have to be a certain age to be a mentor, don’t they give you a year?” he asked.
“Apparently that only applies to the districts that have more than two victors. Molly had so much responsibility on her hands, I was forced to become a mentor.” I pointed out.
“Not your first job choice?” he asked.
“I have no people skills. I hate everyone.” I reminded him. He laughed a little bit to himself. “What’s so funny about that?”
“You’re doing fine with me.” he pointed out.
“You’re different.” I muttered, tapping my foot nervously.
“How?” he defended. I looked at him with annoyance, seeing a small smile on his lips. The nerve of some of these tributes was just astronomical.
“You just are.” I said with a little pout. I had no idea how he was different, maybe it just had to do with him probably not being around for much longer, or that I was superior in this particular relationship, which assured me that he wasn’t going to beat me up or anything. Either way, I didn’t like being tested, if I said something you’re not allowed to protest, if it’s from me, it should be carved in stone. But then again, it would then be engraved that John Watson is ‘cute’ and in a couple of years he might get all old and grow warts, and then people would forever think that I thought he was cute. I forgot the process of my thoughts, so I just came back to reality, I was confusing even myself. The door slid open and I saw the outline of someone, looking like Molly, come in.
“Oh dear, it’s dark in here.” she muttered, obviously not knowing we were in here. Unlike John, she didn’t curse when she ran into things, she actually apologized to a table, which was quite odd if you ask me.
“I don’t want to scare you, so I’m telling you I’m here.” I said simply. John might have been fun to scare, but Molly had been in the games, even if it didn’t seem like it. She wouldn’t jump back she’d attack, and I didn’t want to be beat up with a lamp today. I heard her silently gasp when I started to talk, but obviously she was annoyed with herself for not knowing I was here. If there was a dark place, I was probably in it.
“Me too.” John added.
“Can I please let some light in?” she asked. I heard the sound of a table being hit with a foot, and Molly squeaked with silent pain.
“No.” I said simply.
“Where are you two?” she asked.
“We’re sitting on the mantle, it’s a nice view. We’re on the couch, obviously.” I said obviously. I heard John chuckle in front of me, and smiled with the small success. She made her way over, her eyes adjusting enough so she didn’t kick on of us. She sat on my couch, and I doubted it was the lack of light that made her sit so close. I moved over a bit, and she pretended not to notice.
“So what are you two doing up?” she asked.
“We were just talking. Do you know what time it is?” John asked politely.
“Oh, it’s about seven now, I just got up.” she said simply.
“Well, I know Irene is still asleep, I can hear properly at the moment.” I pointed out.
“How is it mentoring her?” John asked.
“Oh, it’s, a little difficult to get my opinion in, but she’s very high spirited and confident.” Molly said, searching for positives about her tribute. I laughed to myself.
“More like annoying and just dying to get in the spotlight.” I pointed out.
“Sherlock, be nice.” Molly hissed, hitting me lightly on the arm. That made me jump since I wasn’t expecting it, I almost lashed out with the unfortunate battle reflexes. “Sorry, sorry.” Molly muttered, obviously just remembering those little details.
“So, are you two like, a thing?” John asked.
“No!” I said at once. John looked a little bit surprised at such an answer, and glanced at Molly, who just shook her head.
“Okay, don’t need to get all defensive.” He said, raising his hands up innocently.
“You both were victors then?” John asked after a moment of sort of awkward silence.
“Yep, I was his mentor last year. It’s so nice to have a helper in all this.” Molly said.
“Once again, I was forced into this job, I didn’t want it, but the district made me because they needed more….” A light blinded us all, coming from the window and burning my eyes like I was a vampire.
“Let there be light!” Mrs. Hudson’s voice exclaimed. I blinked a lot until finally I got used to the brightness, scowling at her. “Oh wow, it’s like a party in here, I thought it was only Sherlock.” She said, looking between the three of us.
“I was talking, how would it only be me?” I defended.
“Well I thought you were talking to yourself.” She pointed out.
“I don’t do that!” Mrs. Hudson just gave me a look as if saying, yes you do, and went over to sit next to John.
“We’ll get to the capital today, and you can meet your stylists and get ready for the parade.” Mrs. Hudson said with excitement.
“Do we know what we’re doing?” John asked.
“Well, I know that Sara, your stylist, had a couple of ideas.”
“Like what?” John asked impatiently.
“I guess you’ll find out won’t you.” She pointed out. John looked a little bit apprehensive with that answer, but he nodded.
“It’ll be fine.” I assured. “Last year we were piles of coal, it can’t be that bad.”
“I thought you looked cute.” Mrs. Hudson assured.
“Although you scowled through the whole thing.” Molly pointed out.
“I remember watching that parade.” John said, but didn’t say if he liked the outfits or not.
“I’m starving!” screamed a familiar voice.
“And so the sleeping beast awakes.” I muttered, making Molly and Mrs. Hudson glare. Irene burst in the car, her hair a complete mess, as if she literally just woke up.
“Good morning Irene.” Molly said with a smile. Irene just yawned, plopping down in an armchair.
“When’s breakfast?” she grumbled.
“It should be coming soon.” Mrs. Hudson answered, looking at her watch. I cast John an annoyed look, which he smiled weakly at.
“I’m starving.” She repeated.
“There’s a bowl of fruit on the table, or are you above eating fruit?” I asked.
“Sherlock, manners” Molly hissed.
“If she’s not using them, I don’t have to.” I defended.
“I hate fruit.” Irene pointed out.
“And I was right after all.” I pointed out, making Molly just groan.
“Everyone sleep good?” Mrs. Hudson asked, breaking the small silence.
“Nope.” I said with a sarcastic smile.
“Well I know you didn’t dear, I meant everyone else.” She added. John merely nodded, which I found amusing since he was practically passed out on the kitchen table.
“What happened last night?” Irene asked, but it sounded more like a demand than anything. She needed to learn her place on this train, and just because she’s a poor little tribute she needs to treat us with the respect we deserve.
“We had a sleep walker.” Molly said, glancing to me.
“More like a sleep attacker.” John corrected. I glanced at him in offence, and immediately he looked worried, as if I wasn’t going to help him win because he said that.
“And it was some type of show I missed?” Irene asked. Now that I really wanted to punch her for. I wasn’t a show, this was seriously a problem, and she just wanted to watch as I went paranoid. If there was anyone I could throw off this train, I know who I’d pick.
“I’ll go check on breakfast then.” Mrs. Hudson decided. She got up and left, as if glad to have fond an excuse to leave. I was debating going back to my room; somehow my peaceful darkness became a hangout spot. I was okay with John being here, but the others, the sentimental ones and the, Irene, were getting on my nerves. I didn’t know what was different about John; I just know there was something that separated him from the idiocy of the rest of the world.
“So I meet the stylist today right?” Irene asked. I was a bit bored of this information now. Yes, we were going to the capital, yes we’ll meet the stylists, no I don’t care.
“Yes, your stylist is a nice woman named Anthea.” Molly said.
“I don’t care about her name, she better make me beautiful.” Irene hissed.
“You already are beautiful.” Molly assured, as if boosting the self-confidence of a child.
“I know that, but more.” Irene pointed out. That made the three of us clench our fists.
“Breakfast is ready!” Mrs. Hudson announced.
“Finally!” Irene hissed, getting up and pushing John out of the way to get to the door first. He gave me a death glare, as if trying to say hers will be the first skull at the end of his knife. I gave a smile of agreement, walking to the dining hall.