Why Can't There Be Another Way

Chapter 4

A/N: Trigger Warning. SA mentioned.

Horus

Over the past few months, I've been sent my itinerary for my Victory Tour, alongside my scripts. For the next few days, I'll be touring the Districts, giving a small speech to honor their fallen.

My prep team is getting me ready for the occasion, cleaning me of quarry dust, and making me look perfect for the Capitol. Zoltan, my stylist, has given me some extravagant clothes for the colder weather. Then, just as quickly as they came, Yvelise, the District's escort, clapped her hands and shoved me out the door.

I'm momentarily blinded by the lights they put out. I try to spot the camera as my eyes adjust, and when I do find it, I give the audience a smile and raise my hand in greeting. Then, I walk over to the train station.

I feel myself freezing over as I spot the metallic snake. The last time I took that thing to leave District 2, Athena was with me. I have to force myself to keep going, to not show any signs of weakness.

I'm glad when the train doors shut and I can slump down at the dining table. This will be a long two weeks. The first District is District 12, which is located up north. Zoltan dressed me in a fur coat, something I wouldn't need to wear in District 2. The mayor gives a small speech, and then I'm saying my thanks to the District. The crowd have dead looks in their eyes, and that stays constant for most of the Districts.

I feel bad that I have to attend each feasts. The Districts are starving, and here they are, gifting the victor with food he can afford. Of course, all this is honorary, but I still feel guilty eating the food presented to me.

Once we reach District 4, I give a small speech to Lir and Tsunami's family. It's honorary to do that to your allies.

I start with Lir's family first. I see his three younger siblings huddled around their mother's ankles. Now facing his family, I can tell Lir takes his looks from his father. They have the same broad shoulders, facial structure and shoulder length sandy hair that he tied in a knot at the nape of his neck.

"Firstly, I'd like to say how an amazing ally Lir was," I start, directing my attention to his family. "He told the best stories and really seemed to be the responsible one. It was a shame he had to die by the snake muttations, but it was a swift death. He wouldn't have felt any pain."

I turn my attention to Tsunami's family. The second best tribute, in terms of ruthlessness. She acted so similar to Athena in the arena. But I can see why, looking at her family. She's got three older male relatives, who look pretty intimidating with their muscles. She was born for the arena.

"As for Tsunami, she was a tough opponent." I feel like they'd like to hear that. "My sister, Athena, saw her as a threat. I hope you're proud of how far Tsunami has come. I believe if it weren't for Athena or I, she would have won."

One of the men, maybe her brother from the way he resembles her, tips his head towards me in appreciation. I return the gesture before I make my way back inside the Justice Building.

I'm surprised to find Finnick there, chatting with Brutus. I only met him once so far, but since I am a victor, I'll be seeing him a lot in the Capitol. A young woman with flowing brown hair and sea-green eyes stands next to Finnick. He has his arm wrapped around her waist. I'm guessing that's Annie Cresta. When he spots me, Finnick ends his conversation with Brutus.

"Horus, good to see you doing so well. Only District 1 and 3 left before the Capitol." There is a sad undertone to his voice. He makes a quick introduction for Annie and I.