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𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐘

{TW: Mentions of physical assault. Please read with caution.}

    "𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐒 𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 how grateful I am towards the Capitol for all they have provided for me."

    Sage Rowan starts the same speech she has delivered to every single District she has visited, doing her best to keep herself composed and her voice steady. She had her hands placed behind her back to keep them from shaky in front of the cameras. She did not need any cards to read from, not since the first moment she read the speech Bird had given her on the train. Even though she opted to tweak some of the sentences, the speech always ended up the same.

    "Coming from where I did, to where I am now is a big change, one no one really can be prepared for. But given the fact that I am a progeny child, being the daughter of Deirdre Rowan helped prepare me for what to expect when becoming victor." Sage spoke the words like a robot, staring at the crowd who was just chanting her name only moments ago, who were all wearing the color green because they knew the significance behind it than all of Panem. She could see Mora and Atlas standing tall, the former with tears in her eyes and her hands placed on Atlas' shoulders, who stood there with his walking stick in front of him, head down and expression unreadable.

    "Sage," the redhead heard a whisper coming from her left, looking over her shoulder to see Walker giving her a look, to which Sage shook her head, realizing she had stopped speaking.

    "I may have been only eight years old when my mother tragically passed, but I remember how much better her life was after winning the Hunger Games and now I get to experience the same courtesy the Capitol had provided her but in a different light. I-" Sage stopped again, locking eyes with the Ellison family, the two people who Lorcan was supposed to be reunited with if she had not failed in saving him. She felt Walker move closer to her, most likely scared that another panic attack was going to occur, but that is not what is happening here. Not even close. "I'm sorry... I can do this. I can stand up here and read the same speech over and over again. Not here. Not for this District."

    She noticed some of the citizens shifting, some even leaned towards a family member or a friend to whisper to them. Sage is pretty sure Bird is about to have her own panic attack for going off script but she didn't care... she was fine being fake anywhere else. She was fine being a robot for other Districts. Just not this one.

    With a deep breath, Sage looked up and stared directly at the residents of D4. They may be a career District, but if this place can produce someone as spectacular as Lorcan Ellison and then help her honor him by wearing his favorite color... well, they deserve more than some half-ass speech that she didn't even write.

    "As most of you already know, I never planned on making it out of that arena. It wasn't something I decided when I volunteered. I always knew I never wanted to win. My mother was the kind of person who knew how to be in front of the cameras, as are most of the past victors. They had families to return to. They had purpose. I didn't. I thought no one would bet on me and that no one would care. I have never had a support system. So I just thought, if I was ever reaped, then so be it. I won't fight. Even if I knew I had a shot at winning, I wasn't going to fight. Winning is nothing when you have nothing to fight for.

    "Volunteering was not something I did lightly. It's not something I think anyone should do lightly, but it was an easy decision for me to make for reasons all of you already know." Sage paused, trying to settle her nerves as her heart started pounding a bit faster. "Just like choosing to protect Lorcan Ellison was an easy decision. I didn't choose him for any particular reason, but because I saw the same thing I saw in Adrian. He was someone who had family and friends and he was the only one truly nice to me without any hidden agenda, even if I wasn't that nice to him at first."

    Sage looked over at the family standing under Azebel's banner. There were only four people there, but they all had looks of grief and frustration. Like they don't know how to feel at this moment. "I'm sorry about Azebel. If there was any other way-" Sage stopped, looking away for a moment, the memory of her delivering that final blow... she doesn't care if Azebel was a bully. She was a human being and Sage killed her. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she blinked up at the family once more. "I'm just very sorry."

    Sage tore her eyes away and stared down at her feet, brushing her perfectly curled hair out of her face, releasing a shaky sigh before finally looking up at the crowd once more. More specifically, at Atlas. Sage has never seen identical twins before. She has seen fraternal twins and boy and girl twins, but never identical. It was amazing the way genetics are capable of creating two people who look so much alike but have their own different personalities. Truly incredible the way biology works.

    "I'm sorry I couldn't protect Lorcan. I am sorry I couldn't bring him home to you." Sage expressed sincerely, looking at the blonde woman whose tears were now streaming down her eyes and a hand placed over her heart.

    She wants to say more to them... she needs to tell them more, but she can't do it from this stage, in front of all these people and in front of these cameras. It has to be one on one. It has to be in private. She technically made a promise in that arena- Lorcan asked her for one thing while he was dying in her arms and even though she was too stubborn trying to save him in order to agree, because at the time that would have meant she would be surviving the arena, she still wanted to follow his final wish. She still needs to tell them. But not like this.

    So with that said, Sage forced a smile, though it wasn't as fake as it was in the previous Districts and bowed her head. "Thank you, District 4, for your hospitality. I look forward to seeing more of your lovely home."

    With that said, Sage stepped away from the microphone, back straightened as she bowed once. When she looked up, she was met with something that took her breath away, something she did not expect. Every single resident of District 4, standing tall and proud, took their right hand that was balled up into a fist, and pounded their chest not once, but twice in a rhythm. It was perfectly executed, like a soldier's salute. Like it was rehearsed.

    It is exactly what they did for Lorcan when he volunteered for his brother. Sage had been curious about it and asked him during one of their many nights when neither one of them could sleep and after fighting over who would get the jacket once again.

    "It's a sign of respect." Lorcan had said, holding the canteen over the fire with fresh snow in it. "Basically it means that they respect what you said or did. That your actions or words touched their hearts in ways they never thought possible. It is a way of thanking you in ways words can't express."

    It was enough to warm her heart as she was ushered off the stage, back into the Justice Building where she plotted a way to fulfill the silent promise she made to her friend, even though he never forced her to promise him. No matter what, she was not leaving District 4 until she talked to Mora and Atlas Ellison properly.

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    𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐃 𝐃𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 each visit are probably the second worst thing about this whole tour. She has been to a total of eight Districts so far and every dinner was the same boring, unethical routine. She is basically tossed around from person to person, forced to make small talk and answer trivial and personal questions though she has gotten quite good at dodging the ones she refuses to answer. Then she is forced to endure a three course meal with food provided by the Capitol, meanwhile there are people starving in the Districts.

    It wasn't a surprise when Sage saw that they were serving a fish related dish. She hated the oysters they made for the appetizer, but the main course wasn't too horrible. Mayor Dashport said it was a swordfish steak with peppercorn butter. Sage has never heard of peppercorn butter nor had she ever had fish before. District 9 wasn't surrounded by water. There were a couple ponds, but that's it. It wasn't her favorite thing in the world, but then again she has eaten grass before for being so hungry.

    Though during the entire dinner, meeting Mayor Dashport and the other governed people of the District, including a few high ranking Peacekeepers,  all Sage could do was think of a way out of here. These things usually lasted two hours and with the first hour coming to a close, she wanted enough time to sneak out and do what she had to do without being seen.

    Sage had spoken with Walker during the small tour around the District she was given after the speech today, asking if there was any way she could have a one on one with Lorcan's family. He said it might not be possible because it was unheard of and it's mostly for the protection of the victor as the fallen tributes' families don't normally handle their presence well. Though he knew she wouldn't have any problem like that in 4, it might be hard for her to get past the Peacekeepers posted everywhere.

    Of course, that wasn't going to stop Sage and he knew this. They had a plan... sort of. Walker simply told her if she can find a way to sneak out of here without being detected, then he will cover for her and keep people from going after her. Tatyana promised to help as well, which only left Sage to figure out just how she was going to get out of here. Every exit in the Justice Building was posted with Peacekeepers on duty, armed and ready for any party crashers.

    Sage stood to the side of the room as everyone was elegantly dancing on the large dance floor, nursing her water as it was the first thing she grabbed. Her mind hasn't even thought about alcohol since arriving here and she didn't even blink in the direction of the wine or champagne. She just needed water to clear her throat and cool down, seeing as she was very overheated in this place.

    "Hiding from everyone over here, or just Mayor Dashport?"

    Sage turned to the voice approaching her, genuinely surprised to see Finnick. She knew he was here but they haven't spoken, not since earlier in the day when he had helped her out of that panic attack. She had been introduced to Mags Flanagan, who struggled to speak due to a stroke she had last year. Sage notices she chooses to motion or just listen rather than speak herself.

    Finnick was wearing a dashing smile to match his striking appearance, while looking down at her knowingly. He wasn't much taller than her, probably by a few inches. His eyes gleamed in amusement as he leaned in, looking over at the young mayor. "Newly elected and still can't get over the tuna balls. Tasty but not so good for your breath or other people's senses."

    Sage scrunched her nose up, remembering the rancid smell that burned her eyes when talking to said man earlier. "Is that what that was? It's awful."

    Finnick chuckled at her disgusted expression. "He's not so bad. Better than our last mayor who didn't give a crap about anyone. At least Dashport has a good heart."

    "That's all that truly matters."

    It fell quiet for only a brief moment before Finnick stepped forward and turned slightly, holding out a hand. "Care to dance?"

    Sage blinked at his hand before looking up at him like he was insane. "Absolutely not."

    "Oh come on. It will be good practice when you get to the Capitol."

    Sage crossed her arms over her chest stubbornly. "I don't dance. I don't know how."

    "Liar."

    Sage's eyes widened at the accusation. "Excuse me?"

    Finnick smirked in amusement. "You're lying. I know for a fact you know how to dance, or are you forgetting this little move." He then proceeded to demonstrate by doing a dance move Sage immediately recognized. The look on her face must have given it away as Finnick chuckled at it. "The box step. Impressive method to teach someone to balance properly. Only someone who knows how to dance would know that trick."

    "Or maybe it is because I read it from a book? Ever think about that?" Sage stated stubbornly, not liking being reminded about her games or anything linking to Lorcan. It only reminded her how much she failed.

    "You read a lot of books, don't you?"

    "From the moment I was strong enough to pick up a book by myself, yes." Sage boasted cockily. She knew she was losing her window of opportunity and if she was going to sneak off, she has to do it now.

    "Do you remember where the restroom is located?" Finnick suddenly questioned randomly, before fully hearing what he just said and shook his head. "Wait, scratch that. Of course you do. Go there now. Mags is waiting for you there."

    This finally caused the redhead to snap her head up at her, furrowing her brows together in puzzlement. "What are you talking about?"

    "Well, you are trying to find a way to sneak out of here to locate Lorcan's family, aren't you?"

    Sage blinked at him in bewilderment. "How do you-" She stammered, looking over to where Walker and Tatyana both were talking up a storm with D4's government officials. "Walker told you."

    Finnick shook his head. "Actually Walker didn't tell me anything."

    Sage faltered. "He didn't?"

    "No. I knew it was your plan the moment you arrived at the dinner." Finnick explained, downing the rest of his champagne in one gulp. "You keep staring at the doors and watching the guards closely, waiting for the perfect way to escape. But here's something you don't know, they want to meet you too."

    Sage perked up, immediately understanding who he meant. "They do?" She asked in a whisper.

    Finnick hummed in confirmation. "Mags and I actually concocted this whole plan days ago with Mora and Atlas. Mags is waiting for you in the restroom where she will show you the service entrance in about eight minutes when the Peacekeepers change shifts and then lead you to the area of where they live. Luckily for you, they don't live too far from the Justice Building. Just by the-"

    "Ocean," Sage finished for him in a whisper.

     Finnick nodded softly. "It's only about two blocks East. You will probably only have half an hour by the time you get there before you need to be back on the train. But if you leave now, you can savor some extra time."

    Sage took a step back, glancing over at the exit of the ballroom before looking back at the older boy. "Why are you doing this?"

    Finnick shrugged nonchalantly. "Oh, I don't know. There are many methods to my madness. Maybe because I just love breaking the rules? I always found it quite thrilling. Maybe it's because I do whatever I can to help out the families of the tributes who die every year in any way I can without getting myself or those I care for in too much trouble?"

    She took in his words, her respect growing for him by just that small confession. Sage surveyed the area to see everyone mingling and some dancing, before blinking back up at Finnick. She just doesn't understand. This is the second time he is helping her out. She has never met him before, not properly until tonight and feels like she is in his debt twice. Which reminds her...

    "How did you know how to help me earlier?" Sage abruptly questions. "With the threes?"

    Finnick just gave her an exaggerated look. "You seriously want to talk about that now? The more time you are here, the more time you waste."

    He was right, she knew he was right. But she also took note how he dodged the question. It doesn't matter, she glances over her shoulder before looking back at him once more. "Thank you."

    Finnick's only response was a nod as Sage finally turned and exited the ballroom, remembering the brief tour of the place she is given every time she arrives at the Justice Building in each District, heading towards the ladies room where she saw Mags standing outside of it. The old woman smiled brightly at her when she saw her coming and Sage wondered if this is why she had been smiling when she met her earlier in the night. Because she knew what was planned for later.

    Neither said anything, Mags just linked her arm in Sage's and led her out the doors. Just like Finnick said, the Peacekeeper on duty left when his shift ended and the two victors just simply slipped out of the building through the service entrances behind the kitchens. Sage kept pace with the older woman, who was walking pretty well for someone her age and who had a stroke last year.

    The two were silent the whole way. It was nearly night out, but it was still very warm outside. They had passed multiple people who recognized her immediately. Sage received many smiles and waves and the young girl tried to return the sweet gestures but found it hard when she could feel her heart pounding against her ribcage. Here she was- walking through a District she never in her wildest dreams imagined she would ever get the chance to see, believing she would be forced to live out her days in 9 without getting to travel to the other Districts- about to go meet the two people who are about to hold the key to releasing this weight that feels like it's been crushing her lungs since the moment of Lorcan's death.

    It took them all of ten minutes to get to the ocean's end, where there were a few houses lined up along the dirt road, and just about a couple yards was the ocean. Despite her frazzled state of mind at the moment, Sage can't help but take in just how well off District 4 is compared to 9. Her old home at the Dread was barely held together well enough to even be considered a house. It was more like a hovel if anything. These houses weren't anything extreme, nothing like the houses in Victor Village, that's for sure. These houses are more like Adrian's house... she wonders what the Mayor of District 4's house is like than.

    Soon, Mags paused in front of a cozy little wooden house with a purple painted door in the front. There were bushes that were tended to perfectly and a purple flower she had never seen before planted along the front. It wasn't the biggest house in the area, but it was definitely the nicest and well cared for. Sage knew for a fact that Lorcan's mother puts in the effort to make it look this nice. She felt her heart squeeze in happiness just thinking about it.

    Mags pointed to the house and gave a toothless smile, encouraging her to go. Sage thanked her breathlessly and watched as the old woman made her way back to the dinner. A part of her hated leaving her to walk back by herself, but something tells Sage that Mags can handle herself pretty well.

    Once she disappeared down the road, Sage took a deep breath before moving towards the house. Stepping onto the very tiny porch, Sage held her hand up, about the knock, when suddenly she froze. So many things rushed in her mind all at once, and everything she wanted to say to them completely vanished. She knew what she had to say, but she didn't know how to get it out into proper sentences. Panic settled in and she was terrified another panic attack was coming.

    I can't do this. She thought to herself, shaking her head repeatedly. I'm sorry, Lorcan. I just can't.

    With that in her mind, Sage dropped her hand to her side and turned to leave, but suddenly the door creaked open, causing the redhead to turn back, only to come face to face with a beautiful golden blonde haired woman. She was much taller than Sage was and her eyes... they were Lorcan's eyes. Same shape and same shade of blue. Her hair was just past her shoulders, wavy and a bit frizzy with the sides tucked behind her ears.

    It was different... seeing her this close than it was this morning when she saw her yards away on the platform. It felt more real now. Mora Ellison was a real person.

    There was no surprise on the blonde's face. Instead, she looked at Sage in a way she had only seen once and that was from Adrian's parents after she had volunteered for their daughter at the Reaping six months ago. An overwhelming feeling of gratefulness and pure euphoria. Her eyes glassed over as a closed mouth smile spread across her face, a hand on her heart like it was beating a mile a minute just like hers was.

    "Sage." Mora spoke her name softly, comfortingly and with so much pride and joy.

    Sage hadn't realized she was holding her breath until just now as she exhaled loudly, feeling herself choke up. "H-Hi."

    Mora didn't wait another minute as she took one step and embraced the young girl on her porch. Sage was frozen at first, still foreign to the physical contact as the only two people she really has embraced was Adrian and Tatyana once, and that was just before this tour started. Her arms were slagged at her side and her body was stiff, but after a moment she allowed herself to melt into the older woman's arms, wrapping her own around her and clinging to her tightly.

    Sage has never known a mother's embrace. Deirdre never cared to show Sage any form of emotional support or something silly as a loving embrace. Sage did hug her mother once when she was seven, but it doesn't really count as Sage was just trying to keep her mother from hurting herself while having one of her really bad episodes. Deirdre used to beat herself, bang her thighs or her head to the point large bruises would form, as if trying to beat the hallucinations out of her mind. Sage had to hug her, trapping her arms to her sides to keep her from hurting herself further. She hated seeing it and always wondered how Deirdre managed to keep this hidden from the public eye. As Sage got older, she started to understand that it was just simply luck that she never broke down in front of the cameras.

    When they finally pulled apart, Mora still held onto her shoulders and smiled brightly at her. "Come inside, sweetie."

    Sage just nodded, stepping past the threshold where the kitchen was on the left and the lived in room was straight on back. Sage looked around, taking in the interior. It was very homey, with a wonderful pastry smell filling the air. Something Sage can't exactly place, but it was fantastic.

     "I'm so happy you are here. I kept going outside to see if you were there about a hundred times. I was getting worried you weren't going to make it." Mora explains a bit frantically, nervous yet thrilled at the same time.

    Sage turned back to face the older woman, rubbing her arm, equally as nervous. "Me too. But I had help."

     "That Finnick boy is darling, isn't he? So is Mags. He came to her offering to help us out with anything we needed, but the only thing we wanted... the only thing that we needed was to meet you. And not from some distance away."

    Sage was intrigued by the way she spoke, if anything. Her voice was so soft spoken and soothing. It just fit her persona and the way she presented herself very well.

    "I had already..." Sage cleared her throat, not realizing how dry it was. "I had already planned on finding you before I left on the train. I was grateful for the help. Not easy escaping when you are the guest of honor."

    "I bet." Mora chuckled fondly. "I've been waiting six months for this. I'm just really happy you wanted to meet us also."

    Sage ran a hand through her curls and looked around. She was horrible at this. Emotional connections... it was extremely hard for her and awkward as hell. It is why she needed to shift the topic. "Your home is really nice."

    "Thank you," Mora smiled sadly. "I'm sorry if I'm making things awkward for you. I've just... this is all a lot to take in. It's very surreal and everytime I look at you, I see him. I remember the way you helped my baby and what you were willing to do and I-" she paused, choking on her words as a tear escaped this time and she quickly brushed it away. "I'm sorry, I just have to hug you again."

    Sage didn't stop her as she walked up and pulled her into another bone-crushing embrace. This time, Sage reciprocated much quicker, needing this almost as much as Mora did. But her words were killing her inside.

   "I can just hear the headlines now," a new voice suddenly entered the room, causing the two to break apart and turn, Sage sucking in a sharp breath as she saw who it was. "'Sage Rowan survives the Hunger Games only to be suffocated to death by Mora Ellison's deadly bear hug.'"

     Gosh, even their voices are similar. Sage was finally getting the full experience of identical twins. A part of her wondered how Mora and her husband were able to tell them apart. Sure Altas' blindness was a dead giveaway, but it still must have been hard. Now that she was only a couple feet from him, she was able to see some of the differences. For example, Atlas' hair was shorter by a couple inches, but that might be because he got a cut quite recently. It was still long like Lorcan's, luscious and thick, but it didn't fall in front of his eyes like it did with Lorcan's. Atlas' was also brushed back and styled nicely, whereas Lorcan had let it run wild.

    He also had a large freckle on the side of his neck where Lorcan did not. Their eyes were identical, matching their mother's perfectly. And they were both tall like their mother. Sage wondered what their father looked like, if they had gotten any traits from him. Which is ironic since she wonders the same about herself all the time.

    Atlas stood tall, his hand moving from the wall that he used to guide him to a chair that he knew perfectly well where it was located. It made sense that he would have his home memorized, knowing exactly where everything was. His eyes were focused downward, but his head was facing in her direction as he flashed her a smile she knew too well. Same dimple and all.

    It took Sage a second to snap out of it to realize he was offering her his hand and that he had said something. The redhead shook her head and blinked out of her state. "I-I'm sorry, what?"

    Atlas chuckled very softly. "I said it's nice to finally meet you, Sage. I'm Atlas."

    Sage immediately took his hand and shook it, blushing slightly from embarrassment. "You too."

    "Let's sit. I baked muffins. Blueberry." Mora rambled a bit, motioning to the table. Sage was grateful for an excuse to sit and took the seat on the far left, with Atlas sitting across from her. Mora brought over a basket of fresh muffins like she said and instantly Sage knew what pastry she smelled when she first walked through the door. Mora took the seat next to her. "Please, help yourself, Sage."

    Despite being nowhere near hungry, Sage still took a muffin, not wanting to be rude. An awkward silence fell upon them, Sage wanting to say everything but didn't know where to start. This was a lot more difficult than she originally thought it would be and she knew it was going to be hard.

    Thankfully, Mora seemed to be the one to break the silence. "I don't know where to start. There's so much I want to say to you, Sage. So much. But... I don't know-"

    "Why Lorcan?" Atlas cut his mother off, causing both females to turn to face him.

    "What?" Sage choked out.

    "Sorry. I just, I still don't understand. Why did you choose Lorcan? You said it was because he was nice to you and he reminded you of Adrian but... there are twenty-three kids in that arena... what made you choose Lorcan?"

    "Atlas," Mora said, in a bit of a warning tone.

    "No, it's alright." Sage assured, completely understanding why he was asking this. She has been asked this by so many people, but she only gave partial truths. Like he was good and kind and deserved to make it home to his family. But there were plenty of other kids who deserved to make it home. "Like I said earlier, I did not want to win. You and everyone I guess knows that now. I just wanted to save my friend. And I did that by taking her place. I had nothing left back home... nothing. So when I got to the Capitol, when training started, I didn't exactly plan on doing anything. I planned on botching everything. I observed, but that's something I've always done and something I like to do. I like learning people's strengths and weaknesses by focusing on the survival stations.

    "I don't have much experience with people being nice to me, but that is what happened with Lorcan. That is the truth. He was nice to me, even when I wasn't the nicest to him at first. He helped me make a fish hook, while proceeding to tell me that his brother makes a better one than him."

    A faint smile spread on Atlas' lips, as one does for Mora, but neither one spoke up as they let the girl continue. "We spent time together during training. It was only three days, but the more time I spent with him, the more he reminded me of Adrian in a way. But you're right, Atlas. That wasn't the only reason." Sage paused, looking down at her hands as she fiddled with her fingers nervously. "My plan was to die in the bloodbath. I wasn't going to fight and I didn't want it to last longer than it should have. I was willing to let anyone strike me down and accept my fate. But then Lorcan told me something that just changed things... he told me that he doesn't believe he has the strength to win the games because he doesn't think he would be strong enough to kill anyone. Because of what happened to his father."

    Atlas scoffed, shaking his head in slight annoyance. "He never stopped blaming himself for that."

    "It wasn't his fault," Mora added, hugging herself tightly.

    "I know," Sage whispered. "He told me the story. It's hard to change someone's mind once they believe something. I know from personal experience, with my own mother. Even though the logical part of my brain knows that there was nothing I could have done to stop her from doing what she did, I can't help but blame myself for not being there earlier. For being frozen in shock and not trying to stop her. When Lorcan told me the story, I related a lot to him. We both felt responsible for the death of a parental figure even if it was so far out of our control."

    Sage looked to Atlas, his head still bowed down to the table and arms crossed. Mora had tears streaming down her eyes once again. Sage cleared her throat. "I don't have a particular reason for choosing him other than that. I wish I could explain it more. I just figured, if I was going to die in the arena... I was going to die finally doing something right in my life. Because I've been told for so long that nothing I do would ever be good enough."

    A tear escaped her eyes and this time, she didn't fight them. She has been crying so much lately, but this was unavoidable. "But I failed... I-I failed to save him." Sage looked up at the two desperately. "I'm so, so sorry. I'm so sorry. I'm sorry. I failed him. It w-was my fault-"

    "No, sweetie, no." Mora immediately grabbed her shaky hands and pulled them to her, leaning over the table and caressed her cheek. "Listen to me very carefully, Sage Rowan. You did not fail him. You did something that is unheard, don't you understand that? Alliances are not unheard of but someone from an outlying District choosing to ally herself with a Career was one thing... but then revealing you actually never planned on winning and were trying to protect him the whole time so he could win? Choosing someone who wasn't your District partner? Someone you just met- Sage, that has never happened before in the history of these dreaded games. Your sheer devotion to my son was heroic and brave. You are brave, Sage Rowan. You did not fail him and you did not fail us. You tried. And then you avenged him. You went out of your way to hunt the one who killed him, taking out anyone who got in your way. I've heard this District do silent those moments watching the screen. Even the birds in the trees were quiet."

    Another sob shook the fifteen year old as Mora got up and moved forward, never once dropping her hand from the young girl's cheek and squatting down in front of her, forcing her to look at her. "Thank you for trying. Thank you for caring about him. Thank you for being his friend."

    For the third time since she arrived here, Sage was once again in Mora Ellison's arms, but this time, she was the one who initiated the embrace. She wrapped her arms around her neck tightly, not understanding just how much she needed this. A part of her expected them to hate her... to send her away. But everything has been so far from what she originally expected it is insane.

    After what felt like forever, the two finally pulled apart and the two looked at each other, Mora laughing suddenly and wiping her cheek. "Your makeup is all smeared."

    Sage gave a breathless chuckle. "I hate makeup anyway."

    A timer went off, causing Mora to turn to look over at the kitchen. "Oh, that's the last of the muffins. I bake when I'm nervous. Excuse me sweetie, I'll be right back."

    Mora scrambled away into the kitchen, leaving Sage and Atlas to themselves. Silence fell upon them as Sage continued to try to clean herself up, clearing her throat as it was clogged and scratchy.

    Atlas didn't say anything at first, instead he just reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a silver chain of some sort. He fiddled with it in his hand, sighing slightly. "I found this at a market in the square two days ago. It's my mom's birthday in two weeks and Lorcan and I always go there to get her a present together. I had money saved, and the man who works there said there was a new sun hat with sunflowers on it that he thought would be a good gift for my mom. I bought it but as I was leaving, I accidentally knocked over some things on the desk. It was a new display and I didn't know it was there. When I was helping him clean it up the best I could, I picked up this necklace and... I don't know exactly but I felt compelled to buy it. Not even knowing what it was exactly, I just knew what it felt like. I felt drawn to it."

    Atlas then let the necklace fall, holding it out so Sage could see, giving her an amused smile that showed off his one dimple, just like Lorcan has... had. Sage narrowed her gaze on the pendant of the necklace, her heart suddenly stopping when she realized what it was. It wasn't that hard to figure out...

    It was an angel wings pendant.

    "Mr. Clement, the man from the market, gave me a deal on it. He's a good man. When he told me what it was, I knew I just needed to buy it for you."

    Sage's mouth was slightly agape. "For me?" Atlas nodded, motioning for her to take it. Sage hesitated, but then took the necklace and brought it closer, examining it. "It's really pretty... but I can't accept it."

    "You can and you will." Atlas stated sternly. "A Guardian Angel needs her wings to fly."

    Sage felt the corner of lips tugging upwards, still getting used to this title. "Thank you."

    The blonde haired boy nodded once. "I'm uh... sorry for earlier. I wasn't trying to be harsh- I just still find it hard to believe. My brother volunteers for me, risks his life because he knew I would have died the second I stepped off the platform with my biggest weakness slowing me down. He died to protect me because he knew I would have never survived. And you, a complete stranger, was willing to die for him... even after hearing your confession in the arena and listening to your screams as he died- it was just still so hard for me to believe."

    "I understand, Atlas. I do. I'm sorry-"

    "Stop apologizing," Atlas immediately cut her off, smiling fondly at her. "Stop apologizing. You have nothing to apologize for. Not after what you did for my brother. You gave us hope, Sage. Hope that there are still good people out there despite the hand we were dealt with. I know that sounds ridiculous coming from a Career, but it's true. District 4 may be considered a Career District, but we are nothing like 1 and 2. We don't want to participate in the games, we are not trained to go into them from birth like they are. Not unless you can actually afford the training, which not many do."

    Mora entered the room again, standing at the end of the table next to her son. Atlas rubbed his face and cleared his cracking throat. "I am grateful he had you there with him."

   Sage bit down on her bottom lip, admiring the necklace in her palm for a moment before looking back up at Atlas. "You know, Lorcan never once mentioned your blindness being a weakness. He actually would tell me about how you normally would end up showing him up in most things. He always praised you every time he talked about you. It was clear to me just how much he admired and looked up to you. Your strength and bravery. I don't believe he volunteered for you because of your disability, Atlas. I think Lorcan volunteered for you because you are his twin brother and bond like that... is something no one can understand unless they have a twin of their own."

    Mora smiled warmly, squeezing her son's shoulder as Atlas pressed his lips together, a tear fell which he immediately whipped away. "I punched him in the face. The day of the Reaping, after he volunteered, when we went to say goodbye. I punched him in the face for doing it and the bastard laughed. He actually laughed and then hugged me, saying he was going to return to me. I'm happy he wasn't alone when he died. I am truly happy you were there. I understand why he said he could've fallen in love with you. It makes sense."

    Her heart tightened at the memory, remembering how Caesar Flickerman had tried to get her to talk about this but she refused. She didn't like to think about it, about the what ifs because she knew the what ifs were futile. But she couldn't deny the tug in her heart as she looked at Lorcan's family, really letting Lorcan's words settle for the first time since the arena.

    "I'm not familiar with love. It's foreign to me. I never got any of it from my mother, so it is hard for me to grasp. The only experience I have with love is the fiction stories I used to read all the time when I was a child. The way the heroine would describe her love for the hero... I never understood it but it's the only thing I can go off of." Sage paused, brushing her hair back and looking up at the two. "I think I could have fallen in love with him too. If we had met under different circumstances, if the world wasn't like this, I believe even I could have because Lorcan is someone who would have been easy to fall in love with. I genuinely mean that."

    Mora beamed brightly. "Thank you so much, Sage. For coming here and telling us all of this. It means a lot."

    Sage pressed her lips together, nodding stiffly, before sighing. "Before he died... Lorcan told me something that he wanted to tell you. It is why I wanted to talk to you both alone. He asked me to promise him, but I was in denial of him dying and I didn't want to promise."

    "This is what he whispered to you," Mora realized, eyes widening in hope. "The cameras couldn't pick it up."

    Sage nodded again and sighed. "He asked me to tell you both not to mourn him long. He said that he doesn't know what happens after we die, if there even is an afterlife, but he knows with his heart and soul that he is going to see his dad again and he said that he gets to keep him company now until the time you all can be together again. But he hopes that's not for a very long time."

    There was no controlling the water works that were streaming down Atlas' eyes as he could no longer hold them in any longer. Mora buried her face into her hands, her shoulders shuddering.

    Atlas suddenly stood and wrapped his arms around his mother, both clinging to one another like their lives depended on it. Sage faces away from them, wanting to give them privacy as she admires her new necklace, realizing her new title is more than some silly nickname. She is realizing it's giving people like Atlas something to believe in. She didn't like that she was burdened with such a responsibility, she is nothing special to deserve it. But if it's for Atlas and Mora and even Adrian and Walker and Tatyana... then she can embrace the Guardian Angel title for them. If that is what they need, she can do that.

    The mother and son duo finally pulled apart and settled down, they started talking about the tour and how she has been doing. Sage did not want to tell them just how badly she had spiraled after the games, so she told them small truths. Just that she has not been handling the nightmares and the memories well, left out the embarrassing details of Walker and Adrian constantly picking her up whenever she was too plastered to stand on her own or passed out in a pile of her own throw up.

    Mora comforted the girl with more sweets and food. As time finally ticked down, Sage knew she was going to have to leave very soon, but before she could she turned to Mora, her eyes wide and hopeful as she asked her something she has wanted from the moment she arrived here. "Can I please see your garden before I leave?"

    Both Mora and Atlas grinned as Mora reached over and took Sage's hand. "Nothing would make me happier."

><><><

    𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 tour was not nearly as eventful as D4. The stops to District 3, 2 and 1 were easy sailing, though District 2 might have been the most awkward. More so than Sandy's District. D2 was home of Dick who she had played a part in his death and Gertie, who she actually did kill.

    It was hard to stand up there and read the same speech to them as most of them glared at her and booed as she walked onto the stage. It was understandable. Dick she didn't really care about, especially when she learned just how he died. She had made Walker tell her. Apparently her theory had been correct. He was slowing his alliance down with his busted knee and without warning, Blaine had been the one to kill him out of annoyance. Now Gertie, Sage did feel slightly bad about killing her. She was not in her right state of mind and she hadn't even given the Career girl a chance to fight back properly.

    Sage had been more than thrilled to get out of there as quickly as possible.

    Now here she was once again, after being waxed and plucked, then being dolled up in heavy make up and her hair pulled up into a very high ponytail, then sent to Tatyana and forced into another stunning creation of her, was she now walking up the grand stairs in front of the President's Mansion. It was ginormous, filled with bright colorful lights and several cameras and several interviewers from different stations or private magazines.

    Sage had received many compliments on her dress, another pine green beauty. What Tatyana had explained to her was that it was made of luxurious brocade fabric. It had lucious embroidered blooms on the corset scattered up and down beautifully. It was off the shoulder, revealing her neckline with a voluminous pleated floor-length skirt. All of that was mumble jumbo to her, and a part of Sage imagined if Adrian could get her hands on this dress. She knows Tatyana would be a good fashion mentor for her friend.

    What Sage liked most about it was the neckline, as it gave full access to her new necklace.

   Sage underwent several interviews to the point she wanted to scream from exhaustion. She had her picture taken with pretty much anyone willing to pay for it, the money going towards the funding of the Hunger Games, obviously. Once again the fake, bright shiny smile was plastered back on her face and as she entered the grand celebration behind the President's Mansion, she was already too exhausted to stand.

    There was dancing and fire breathers and trapeze artists and acrobats. There were several appetizer courses being served by Avox's. Sage couldn't move ten steps without an Avox coming up and offering her some fancy dish she has never heard of before. Apparently a huge dinner will be served shortly, with Sage being forced to sit next to a bunch of politicians she despises as well as be in the presence of President Snow. She prays with everything she holds deer that she won't have to speak to the man, still not over their very brief conversation the day she was crowned victor.

    It makes Sage wonder... was he here? Her father? Does she even care? In all honesty, not really. All she wanted was to get out of here as quickly as possible. She had hoped no one would force her to dance, and as Tatyana handed her a glass of water, a man with dyed orange hair and matching curled mustache walked up to her and destroyed that hope as he asked for a dance. Sage's eyes widened, wanting to do everything in her power to decline, but her knight in shining armor came to her rescue.

    "Sorry, Phelp, but Sage just promised me her first dance just before you walked up." Walker informed politely, turning to the redhead and offering her his hand. "Shall we?"

    Knowing she didn't have a choice now, Sage nodded and placed her hand in his, allowing him to guide her to the dance floor. He took her hand and placed it on his shoulder while he went on her back and straightened himself out. "Follow my lead."

    It had taken Sage a couple tries to get the hang of it but that didn't mean she didn't step on his shoes a couple times. She finally looked up to him and smiled weakly. "Thanks for the save."

    "Happy to. But don't expect another one. You are the guest of honor after all. People are lining up to dance with you."

    "And I can't decline them?" She asked desperately.

    "You could, but it wouldn't look good. And then you'd have Bird nagging you for the rest of the night and I know that's the last thing you want."

    "Gosh no." Sage mumbled, shaking her head before frowning. "Where is Bird? She disappeared once we arrived."

    "She probably went to find her husband. He should be here tonight."

    Sage snapped her head back in shock. "Husband? Bird's married? Since when?"

    "Since two years ago when they got married." Walker replied, amused by her confusion, causing Sage to get back into the dance. "Is it so hard to believe?"

    "No, just shocking, is all. She's never mentioned him before."

    "Maybe that is because everytime she tries to talk to you, you either run away or shut her down."

    Sage narrowed her eyes at him. "Because I can't stand her and she knows that."

    "Bird is set in her ways, but she's not that bad of a person. I didn't like her much either when she became the escort for 9 but I guess I just got used to her." Walker explains softly. "I know it's difficult, but you are going to be in each other's lives for a long time. You are a mentor now so you both are going to have to learn to get along."

    "I can learn to tolerate her but that's the best I can do."

    Walker chuckled. "That's better than the hostility."

    As the music ends, the anthem of Panem starts up, causing everyone to clap as a spotlight shines on the mansion for the Presidential welcome. President Snow walked up to the podium, hair as white as his last name and that same sinister, cocky, egotistical grin on his face. A true politician.

    Sage played the part she had adapted over the short time since winning the games as she clapped for President, following Walker as they headed towards the front of the large crowd, his eyes glancing down at her promptly before holding up his drink. "I would like to personally welcome our lovely victor, Sage Rowan, to my home tonight as this is sadly the last day of her tour. She has not only won the hearts of the Districts but also those in the Capitol."

    A round of applause erupted again as Sage gave a sheepish grin in return, nodding to everyone in thanks. She could see Tatyana joining her at her side, making her at ease. Bird also joined them from behind, her hand linked with a man much shorter than Bird, but still very handsome.

    "I would like everyone to raise a glass and drink to our victor, who has not only touched us with her actions in the arena, but has inspired us to fight for what we believe in." President Snow says with his glass raised, his eyes staring directly into her. Sage suddenly felt a chill go down her spine being under his scrutinizing stare, just like she had been when he had crowned her victor.

    It wasn't exactly a threat, more like a taunt. Just like he had taunted her about her father. He was teasing her. A grown ass man, teasing a fifteen year old girl. Ridiculous.

    As the crowd dials down, dinner was announced as everyone quickly made their way to get their share of the food. Sage felt Tatyana squeeze her hand, pulling her away but she was suddenly bumped into very roughly, causing her to scatter back and nearly falling to the ground. The only reason she was able to stay up straight was because of Tatyana's grip on her hand as she held her steady.

    Sage blinked and looked up to see a very tall man staring down at her in a perplexed state before he shook his head to snap himself out of it and scurried away. "Apologies."

    "No harm." The redhead brushed off, allowing Tatyana to pull her away, completely unaware of the man staring after her as she went.

><><><

    𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 Victory Tour was a celebration in itself. The moment Sage stepped off that train in District 9, she was so relieved for it to finally be over. She feels sick from all the food she was forced to eat at the Capitol, some even tried to convince her to drink this pink liquid that would help her throw up so she could continue eating. She was tempted to drink it just so she could throw up on them for even suggesting it. It was crazy how they eat all they want while there are people starving in the Districts and doing anything they can to not feel hungry anymore.

    Unfortunately, the celebrations were not over yet. Later tonight, she will be forced to have another dinner and she was allowed to invite anyone she wanted. When she tried to say the whole District, but they limited her to ten people max. Since she wasn't exactly friendly with these people, Sage begged Walker to choose those people for her. The only one who she wanted was already going to be there given her father is indeed the mayor and the other was Hyacinth.

    Sage has not seen Adrian since she arrived back home and it was quite concerning. She expected her friend to be waiting for her at the train or at least be in her house when she came back. But she wasn't. The celebration was in three hours and though she knew being back here was already triggering enough, she was hoping to see Adrian so she could tell her about it, the worst parts and the best parts with Lorcan's family.

    After telling her mentor that she would be right back, wanting to go see Adrian, there were no complaints, just a promise for her to be back in an hour. As she walked to Adrian's house, which was about twenty minutes away, she was greeted politely by people who she has never spoken to before. She nodded their way but didn't exactly give them any more of her attention. She understands that they feel guilty for their past behavior, but she does not owe them a damn thing. She has been short with most who even try to nice or befriend her. She doesn't need their guilt-ridden friendships.

    As she arrived at the Mayor's house, she knocked on the door and waited anxiously. A minute goes by and no one answers, so she knocks again. This time, someone did come who she was not expecting. Hyacinth stood there, still in her nightgown and greeted the girl before her.

    "Sage! Sweetheart. There you are." She reached out her hand which Sage took and followed her inside. "Have you seen Rusty? Damn dog got out again."

    "No, I haven't seen him. But I'll go out looking for him later, I promise." Sage told her sadly, feeling it best to just go along with wherever her mind is at rather than trying to explain the truth. It was just easier. The redhead was glad to see her, knowing how neglected she has been towards her. "You've been doing alright?"

    "I'll be alright once I find this damn dog." Hyacinth scoffs, annoying.

    Sage sighed sadly, knowing it wasn't a good day for Hyacinth and decided to change the subject. "Is Adrian here?"

    "I haven't seen Adrian all day." Hyacinth shook her head, walking back over to the living room and taking a seat on the sofa. She then picked up her tea and drank it gently.

    "Hyacinth? Who was at the door?" A voice spoke, Mrs. Pine comes down the hallway and gives a surprised smile when she sees the redhead standing there. "Oh, Sage, dear. I was expecting to see you at the celebration dinner tonight."

    "I wanted to see Adrian before then, maybe see if she wants to walk in with me. Is she here?"

    Mrs. Pine faltered, glancing behind her nervously with a worried expression on her face. She looked like she had been crying recently. "Yeah, she's just in her bedroom."  

      Getting a terrible feeling in her stomach, Sage stepped up to the woman and frowned. "Mrs. Pine, is everything alright? Did something happen?"

    Mrs. Pine ran a hand over her sweaty forehead before putting her hands over her hips. "Yes, dear. I'm afraid something did happen."

    Immediately panicking, Sage assumed the worst. "Is it Adrian? Is she hurt?"

    Mrs. Pine was looking at the ground as another angry fit of tears escaped her before nodding. Sage didn't even wait for an explanation before she pushed past the woman, running down the hall until she found Adrian's bedroom, slamming the door open. She could feel Mrs. Pine was right on her heel, but Sage paid her no mind. Instead, she approached her best friend lying in bed and the sight caused a loud gasp to escape her lips, a hand cupping over her mouth.

    Both of her eyes were purple and black, the left swollen shut. Her nose was bandaged, most likely broken and her lip was split. She wore a white sling on her arm and she had an ice pack over her swollen eye.

    The air in the room suddenly became very thick and it was hard to breathe. Sage leaned over her, attempting to reach out but retreated when Adrian shifted slightly but never woke up. Sage can't help the relief she felt knowing she was still alive.

    "She's on heavy pain medication. She won't wake up for a few hours." Mrs. Pine explained, her voice scratchy and horse.

    "What happened?" Sage demanded, flicking her glassy, menacing gaze up to the older woman, the words that came out of her mouth were laced with venom and pure anger. "Who did this?"

    Mrs. Pine knew right then and there what was going to happen if she gave Sage the name of the person responsible and it made her so happy to be able to do it, knowing her husband was currently working on getting this person arrested and charged, she knew it could take a couple days. Mrs. Pine remembered what happened to the last person who hurt someone Sage cared about and telling her the truth was the easiest decision she has ever made, knowing her husband would agree.

    "Curtis Milton," Mrs. Pine spat his name out. "I don't know the full story, but from what the boy who managed to pry him off of her after finding him pounding on her said, apparently Curtis has been harassing Adrian about getting back together and became very possessive and following her around constantly. He believes that Curtis got her alone and tried again to get back together with her but this time, he didn't like being told no."

    Rage exploded out of the redhead as she didn't bother to ask anymore questions. Instead, she stormed out of the room and then out of the house, not realizing the satisfied smile of a mother who was thrilled that the man responsible was about to get a taste of his own medicine.

    Sage wasn't seeing things clearly. The look on her face resembled the one she had in the arena after Lorcan's death. It was haunting... it was disturbing. She immediately went to the fields. It was only four in the afternoon, meaning workers were there until five-thirty. She had worked with Curtis a few times in the past, but they have never spoken once. And the fact that she was too drunk to really get a feel for the guy when Adrian started dating him makes her blood boil more. The fact that she was too drunk to feel a proper vibe off of him...

    Sage made a brief stop before she entered the harvesting fields. She hasn't been to the field since the day before the Reaping Ceremony. Not that she'd really be allowed to. Victor's don't really need to work after winning. Sage stormed through the large grain plants, ignoring the looks she was receiving from the men and the very limited number of women they had working here, which is more since the last time she was here. She searched the whole field for over twenty minutes until she finally found him. She didn't bother to say anything, she instead took one of the four-foot gandasa tool that Davis was using from his grasp and turned it upside down so the blade was at the bottom and gripping the wooden part like a bat.

   "Milton!" Sage called out his name and just as Curtis straightened and turned to whoever called his name, Sage swung the wooden part of the gandasa at his face with all her strength. Curtis screams out in both shock and agony, toppling over and landing on his knees. Sage threw the tool down to the ground and stepped closer to him, grabbing him by his dirty overalls and turning him, punching him right in the face. "You like hitting defenseless girls? Huh? Is that the kind of man you are? Well, let's even out the playing field, shall we? Get up!"

    Sage pushed him forward and stepped back, waiting for him to stand. He remained on his knees, groaning in pain from the blows. Sage outstretched her arms. "Come on, Milton! Let's show everyone how much of a big bad alpha male you are. Show them who's in charge. Hit me!"

    "What the hell are you doing, Rowan?" Tanner called out, rushing over to the scene after seeing the commotion.

    "I'm exposing a pathetic excuse of a man who likes to beat women when they tell him no." Sage shouted venomously, looking over at her old boss with a wild glare. "You gonna stop me?"

    Tanner immediately took a step back. "No, proceed."

     Sage turned back to Curtis, who was trying hard to stand back up, but was wobbly on his feet. Most likely from the first blow as his forehead was bleeding. Sage waited until he was steady on his feet before motioning with her hands. "Come on. Hit me like you hit Adrian."

    "You crazy bitch," Curtis barked out, lunging at her to which Sage dodge, kicking him in the side of his ribs. He grunted, turning to swing at her again, but Sage was on him. She ducked the hit before coming up and swinging on him. It was hard given the major height distance, but after the blow, he was back on his knee and Sage was now the one towering over him. She punched him again and again and again. He was bleeding from his now broken nose.

    She then searched him, knowing he was carrying some kind of harvesting knife that we are allowed to carry only on the job. When she found it, she pulled it from his back pocket and moved around him, gripping a fist full of his hair, forcing his head back and holding the knife to his now exposed neck.

    "So pathetic. The big tough man just got his ass handed to him by a girl half his size. Now I have you at my mercy."

    Curtis was suddenly blubbering like a baby with the blade pressed to his neck. "P-Please. P-Please s-stop."

    "Did Adrian beg you to stop?" Sage questioned. When he didn't answer, she tucked him back and pressed the blade closer to his skin harder, drawing a bit of blood. "Answer me!"

    "Y-Yes." Curtis choked out, sobbing now. "I'm s-sorry. I-I-I'm so sorry. I-I don't know why I d-did it. I don't-"

    Sage leaned down so her lips were by his ear, her teeth gritted together. "You are ruined after this, do you understand me? If they don't execute you after what you did, I will follow you around for days on end, taunting you and waiting for the right time to make my move. You won't know when I will come. It could be tomorrow, or next week or a year from now. I don't care how long it will take, you will never live a day without fear. You will never touch another female for as long as I live. You just made me your worst fucking nightmare and I will destory you, do you understand?" Curtis just moaned and sobbed. Seventeen years old and crying worse than a fucking newborn. Sage yanked his hair once again, yelling this time. "I said, do you understand me?!"

    "Yes!" Curtis forced out, still shaking. Sage dropped the knife and his head, watching him plop to the ground.

    Sage looked at all of the workers who stared on dumbfounded, glaring at them all. "If I find out any of you helped him get home or to a medic, you will have me to deal with."

    If this was any normal day, she would have been stopped by a Peacekeeper. But things are different now. She is a victor now. She has money to give and paying off the three Peacekeepers stationed at the fields beforehand was the best possible thing to do with her new found riches.

    Sage wiped the sweat that was dripping from her hairline, despite the cooler weather, as she turned to Tanner who also looked stunned by what he just witnessed. "I suggest firing him, Tanner. You don't want a weak ass woman beater around do you? You have a daughter, don't you?"

    The redhead didn't even wait for a response, just walked out of the fields with her adrenaline still high, it taking everything inside of her not to turn around and end his pathetic life. Tomorrow is a new day, a day where she is going to do what Walker has been trying to get her to do for a long time. No more drinking to forget. It is time to deal with her trauma in a new way and find another solution instead of drinking her memories away. Because this is the first time she has felt like her old self. That familiar feeling of that strength she could always rely on coming through just like it always has. And that is what she is planning on focusing on.

    And so is Adrian when she is well enough to start training. Because there is no way in hell this will ever happen to her again. Ever.

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LONGEST CHAPTER I HAVE EVER WRITTEN! Omg. I contemplated splitting this into two chapters but I really wanted it all in one.

Anyway.... GUYS!! We are at the end of part one!! I know a lot of shit happened! Please don't hate me with the Adrian thing! I'm so sorry, but it was my plan all along, it being the final thing to really get Sage to fight for something, and that is making sure Adrian will never be vulnerable to ANYONE ever again like she was. And also she will never be so drunk to really judge someone like she is very skilled at doing.

FUCK CURTIS!

Also, MORA AND ATLAS ❤️❤️ Writing that whole scene broke me, ya'll! But I love the way it came out!

Hope everyone enjoyed! Can't wait for Catching Fire! GET READY FOR FINNICK AND SAGE, YA'LL! There love story is going to be more epic that Katniss and Peeta's, that's for damn sure!