10 years later...

Bliss Dixon’s POV:

‘’ Hey.’’ I smile, kissing Gauze on the cheek. He is sitting on the couch and the television is on, although it’s nothing important – a documentary on the Capitol or something.

‘’ Morning sweetie.’’ He smiles in response. ‘’ Sleep well?’’

‘’ I’d sleep better if you bloody used those snoring plugs I got you!’’ I scold playfully and he laughs. ‘’ And the random kicking during the night doesn’t help either.’’

‘’ Apologies.’’ He says in a fake posh voice, imitating the Capitol citizens we love to hate.

‘’ We interrupt this programme to bring you a special news bulletin. The body of Piper Papillon has been found in the President’s mansion house in the Capitol. The ex-Hunger Games hostess and the official Capitol news reporter was found in her bed by President Snow, who was distraught to find that Piper took her own life.’’ Begins a nasally Capitol reporter and the two of us glance at each other in shock.

‘’ Oh God.’’ I gasp, tears brimming in my eyes. Although I didn’t really like Piper, it just brings back memories of the Games, and the people we lost.

‘’ Poor woman, she’s been going downhill since marrying Snow. She was obviously forced into it.’’ Replies Gauze sadly and we turn back to the screen.

‘’ President Snow III issued the statement shortly after midday today, explaining that Piper had been acting up last night and he was shocked to say the least to find her dead in the bed beside him in the morning. He gave us no further statements but he has announced that he will be in touch with us in a few days with funeral arrangements.’’

Gauze turns the television off and we walk to the study. He pulls open the giant scrapbook sitting on the table. It is a scrapbook depicting the last decade since we left the arena in photographs and newspaper articles. I know it off by heart now because of the endless nights I’ve sat reading through it.

I often find myself reading through the section dedicated to Osmo and Echo the longest, it is by far the largest section. There are pictures of us in the arena with them, the final day where myself, Gauze, Echo and Osmo faced Alistair and Arianna – the day that has caused me to toss and turn in my sleep with nightmares I’d rather forget for the best part of ten years.

Gauze takes out a small black marker and finds the most recent page. He chalks in the date and writes about Piper’s suicide. We will add any photographs or articles released in the newspapers when they are published, until now we just wait.

‘’ We better get going, the Reapings will be starting soon.’’ I say as Gauze stares at the page before him, a picture of the two of us kneeling beside Echo and Osmo as they lie on the ground – both with dagger wounds in their chests.

‘’ Great.’’ He sighs and gets to his feet.

The streets of District Eleven are empty – everyone is already in the square waiting for the Reaping to commence. The stage is empty when we arrive, the town officials, Mayor and escorts are waiting for us. We file onto the stage and take a seat on the stage, sitting facing the crowds of horrified children.

The Mayor goes through his speech that everyone is sick of listening to and then our District’s escort does a small talk. The crowd is silent when she approaches the Reaping balls.

‘’ Hello District Eleven! I will now choose the two lucky tributes to represent our wonderful home in this year’s Hunger Games. Sitting onstage are Bliss Dixon and Gauze Weaver, the most recent winners of the Hunger Games from District Eleven. Although Bliss is not originally from this District, she is considered family now that she married Gauze earlier this year. Anyway, they both stand as a reminder that it is possible to defeat the careers. It is possible to win.’’

She approached the bowl for the girls names and sticks her finger inside.

‘’ As usual, ladies first...’’ The crowd is silent. ‘’ Alexandra Fleming!’’

A girl that looks about sixteen approaches the stage. She answers a quick question and takes a seat beside us. I smile at her as she sits down, she stares at the floor – avoiding eye contact.

‘’ Now, the boys! David Salamander!’’ She beams happily.

A large muscular boy of a big build approaches the stage. He walks confidently, although judging by the look on his face he is frightened. He plays it cool though, something that will make the sponsors watch him more closely. He too takes a seat and the Mayor talks for a few more minutes. We are then led off the stage and into the Justice Building of District Eleven.

‘’ OK.’’ Sighs Gauze, beginning the conversation with the petrified tributes as he has done for the last ten years. ‘’ We’re here to help you; we will give you as much advice as we can so you can return to your family. The Games are horrific, I won’t lie to you, but we are going to make sure you are prepared.’’

Neither of the tributes say a word. They nod at us and we leave the room to give them time with their families. For at least one of them, they won’t be returning so these moments are precious.

‘’ Do you think the Hunger Games will ever stop?’’ I question as we walk through the streets and back towards the Victor Village.

‘’ I don’t know...’’ He replies honestly with a sigh.

‘’ I hope so. I really, really do.’’ I say glumly and he stops, sensing something is wrong.

‘’ Why?’’

I take a deep breath. ‘’ I’m pregnant.’’

He squeezes my hand and pulls me close. He has a smile on his face. ‘’ That’s great!’’

‘’ No, it isn’t.’’ I reply. ‘’ They will grow up in fear of turning twelve. And then they will have the most stressful and fearful six years of their lives as they are eligible for entering the Hunger Games. I don’t want that for our children.’’

He locks his hands into mine and pulls me towards him, kissing me gently on the forehead. ‘’ I won’t ever let that happen.’’

I smile at him and he kisses me again.

‘’ What are we going to call it?’’ He asks.

‘’ It?’’ I repeat with a laugh. ‘’ It will be human!’’

‘’ Are you hoping for a boy or a girl?’’ He questions.

‘’ Either. And I have a name in mind either way.’’

‘’ Oh?’’ He replies curiously.

‘’ Echo if it’s a girl, Osmo if it’s a boy. Either way, I will be happy. They saved our lives and we will never be able to repay them for that, no matter how much we give to their families.’’

He nods in agreement. ‘’ I think either way, it will be perfect.’’

I smile and we walk hand-in-hand into the Victor Village. Things turned out pretty well for us, because never once did I think since I was sent into the Hunger Games arena would I ever be coming home again.

‘’ I love you, you know that right?’’ I say and he laughs.

‘’ I know.’’

‘’ You’re supposed to say you love me too.’’ I explain.

‘’ I’ve grown fond of you, I guess.’’ He replies with a laugh and I hit him playfully on the shoulder.

‘’ Screw you!’’ I giggle.

‘’ Ah you know I love you, you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.’’

‘’ That’s better.’’ I smile and for the first time in a long time, the smile is genuine – not put on for the cameras. ‘’ Now let’s go watch a movie.’’

‘’ Last one to the house has to make the popcorn!’’ He calls and we both sprint down the deserted street. I am quicker and reach the door a good five seconds before him.

‘’ You’ve gotten slow and fat in your old age.’’ I laugh.

‘’ Hey! I’m only a few years older than you!’’ He explains in his defence.

‘’ I’m so glad I was paired with you.’’ I admit and he smiles. ‘’ You saved my life.’’

‘’ You save my life every day.’’