Why Can't There Be Another Way

Chapter 8

A/N: Trigger warning-SA mentioned.

Horus

Something I didn't realize back when I was a tribute was that a second train brought the other victors to the Capitol. I always thought they kept to themselves in a separate carriage on the tribute train to the Capitol. Someone called this the prostitution train. I try not to think too much about it. I keep reminding myself that at least it's me, at least Athena never has to go through this.

I'm worried that during my stay in the Capitol, some people, who had a grudge against Athena, will go after Bellona. And this time, neither Cato nor Clove will be there for her.

"It's easier if you're drunk," one of the victors told me, dragging me out of my thoughts. She's on the younger side. I'm pretty sure she's the latest female victor of District 2.

"If you're lucky, no one will buy you this year. Most people are head over heels for Finnick Odair. Poor lad. I hope he gets some compensation in the future."

"Don't worry Horus. I think most people will still be a little shaken from Athena." This came from an older victor.

"Thanks," I mumble. Even in death, Athena protects me.

In the Capitol, the victors have their own place to stay. Somewhere away from the Training Centre so that the tributes will never find out the truth. So that the Districts won't find out.

Ignoring the whole prostitution thing, my stay at the Capitol wasn't that bad. I got to meet with the other victors. We talked for a very long time about the Games. Not ours. There was some untold agreement that our games stay out of it, unless it was to make a reference. We talked about the tributes for this Hunger Games, and who we're placing our bets on.

And I didn't just speak to the 'prostitute victor'. I got to talk to some of the mentors this year.

"First time seeing Haymitch sober," Chaff said as we were placing bets on who would win. "His tributes must be good."

"Well, I've got another batch of scared kids," Johanna Mason said.

"Where is Haymitch anyways?" I asked.

"Probably figuring out what to do without any alcohol," Chaff said in a joking manner. "I'd place my coins on his tributes if I could bet."

"You mean the girl who volunteered for her sister," Cecelia said. "What a brave young girl. Who wouldn't want to sponsor her."

"Yes yes. District 12 is stealing the show. I guess we'll all pay attention to the District 12 tributes now," Enobaria said a little sourly.

"Oh please, your tributes win most years," Johanna bit back. "Don't feel bad if they get upstaged."

That was pretty much how our conversations went. As the Games progressed, it turned into a whole argument about who would win. Things especially started to take a turn when the two victor rule was announced.

"Haymitch has everything going for him," Chaff said. Most victors already went home, but since Brutus was coaching me on being a mentor, I stayed. Chaff still has a tribute, Thresh.

"Well, so do we," Enobaria replied. "And Katniss has to find Peeta first if she plans to win with him."

"As if your tributes can beat Katniss," Haymitch said. "Look at all her sponsors and look at yours."

Enobaria snarled. "You underestimate Cato and Clove. They're allies until the end now."

"Relax Enobaria," Elara, the District 5 mentor, said. "It's been a long time since both tributes from Twelve are in the top six. Let Haymitch have his victory."

"I'm supposed to keep my tribute alive," Enobaria replied. "However much I'm glad Haymitch has some fighters this year, I've got to keep Clove alive until the Games end."

Apart from that, Brutus showed me the sponsor system and how it worked. He even let me give a few sponsors to Cato. I was glad I could do something for my best mate while he was in the arena.

The two victor rule took me by surprise. After I got over it, I remember feeling angry. Why is it that a pair of lovers get to go home together but not a pair of siblings? I was so furious I decided to take a walk around the Capitol.

Once Clove died, Enobaria calmly got up from her seat. She told me I could join her on the ride back to District 2. Brutus insisted I go with her. So I did. And I'm actually glad that I did because I know Clove comforted Bellona when Athena died. I plan on returning the favor.

The train ride back was surprisingly relaxing. Enobaria asked me how everything went. It was okay. The Capitol are freaky with their styles and everything. I do, however, have an advantage. They offered me gold and all this finery, but I settled on gathering information. I had them show me around the Capitol and tell me about their lives. Everyone was too invested in Katniss Everdeen that I was able to get my way this time.

The first thing I did when I got back to District 2 was go to the Kentwell house. Bellona was already there with a weeping Surena. I went over to her and did my best to comfort her. I know if Athena were here, she'd do the same.

When Cato died, I went to see his family and spent the evening with them. His little brother was in tears while his sisters tried to keep their emotions inside. I understand that feeling all too well. However, just like Athena, I'm glad he died because I know he would have gotten the same fate as me if he was crowned victor. But as I spent more times with his family, the wave of sadness I felt when Athena died threatened to come crashing down on me. I had to excuse myself when the threat of tears became too much.

I left the house and ran like a coward. I ran until my lungs burned and my feet hurt. I ran until I ended up at my secret spot with Cato. I don't know how many hours I spent crying there. I not only cried for Cato. I cried some more for Athena. And even for Clove. I've lost some of the people closest to me in the span of a year. What will happen next year? Will another one of my friends die?