Lani Baldova

"Hello District One!" I shout into my microphone. It's weird here. Like there's something in the air. Here, pride is everything, but no one seems to have it.

"I'm Lani Baldova, the victor of the Eighth Hunger Games," It feels so good to say. I have accomplished something extraordinary. Some of the crowd cheers my on, but others sulk. And then there are the people who don't pay attention to my whatsoever. I see Skye's family. They are unmistakable in the onlookers- fiery red hair in a sea of platinum blondes.

I smile at the crowd and continue with a sugar-coated version of my victory. I don't mean to be dramatic or anything, but let's be honest- the Hunger Games aren't exactly wonderful.

A Day Later…

District Eight, home of my fallen ally and her mortal enemy.

"Hello!" I smile at the frowning faces before me. My feet nervously tap the concrete stage beneath them. The microphone before me is cold and unwelcoming. The grey sky is heavy with clouds, threatening to rain down on the District.

It's hard to keep my head up when everyone is trying to keep it down. Lani! You are a victor! Not a pompous narcissistic seventeen year-old brat! I can practically hear my mentor crow. They all act like positivity is a sin, or something. Like I should be moping around my empty house. Like I need to be eaten alive by my nightmares. I am, but I won't admit it to them. Screw them.

"Thank you for having me here today, District Eight. I would like to say first off, that Calico Weft was my best friend in that arena. She was as loyal to me as I was to her. I want you to know that I will never forgive her killer," The crowd nods in agreement. We all know who I'm talking about. Not Skye Emerald, but the monster behind it all.

"Raiden is also scarred into my memory and will never be forgotten," It's practically a rule that I mention each tribute, whether I truly will miss them or not.

"I'd like to say a final farewell to Cali, the girl who died my hero."

Nine Hours Later…

Finally, I have reached the last stop on my tour of death. District Twelve won't be the easiest one either. Aiden's family is huddled in the front roll with fat tears falling down their faces. Unfortunately, I'm a sympathetic crier.

"My dear District Twelve! It is my greatest pleasure to meet with you today," I say between tears. I can't believe that only days ago, my allies were by my side, alive and fighting. As you know, Aiden Jones was one of them. He and I were best friends in that place of uncertainty and unwelcoming horrors. I can't tell you how much your son meant to me, Mr. and Mrs. Jones. I know that he missed you while in the arena and would like me to tell you that he loves you. I am also of course, sad for Autumn's death. She was kind to me at the Capitol and had I needed another ally she would have been my next choice. Everyone was awed by her grace and kindness. Thank you District Twelve, for giving me your time today,"

Twelve Years Later…

Innocence is bliss. That's what they all say. And now I see it is true. My children hold hands with one another and sing. While my world is shattered, theirs' is whole. At least for the time being. They don't know why their mother cries during the night or why our house is bigger than everyone else's. But they will soon. I'll have to tell them eventually the terror I've seen and the people I've lost. For, once out of the arena, the real horror begins. In the arena you only fear your own life and your allies. But here, now, I'm afraid for everyone.

Last year my husband died from a fire. His body was never recovered, but the peacekeepers found his pocketknife nearby the piles of ash. I have sadly come to expect the worst in life. But my sunshine is never far away. Calico Jones Toland and Mira Tar Toland, my daughters, keep a smile on my face. They remind me that purity still exists in Panem. I can't forget those I've lost, and I never will- a rose garden lines the side of my house, complete with twenty-three blooming flowers.

Violets Are Blue is up!

Please review this chappie!

Lani will be mentioned in the first VAB chapter.

My Goodbye to this story-

Thank you everyone for sticking with me in this little story I've created! Your reviews really brighten my day. There are some that I've gone back to read again whenever I'm feeling sad. Thanks for all the positive feedback and the bits of constructive criticism that help me grow. I want you to know that each and every character touched my heart and some even inspired me. Thanks to the (around) fifteen of you for reviewing EVERY SINGLE CHAPTER! Ya'll mean a lot to me and to think that I've gotten most to sign up for my next story excites me! More fantabulous characters to come, I suppose.

See you at the reaping,

Ruetheday