cynical · quick-witted · trauma · hunger games · district 12 · star-crossed lovers · strategic · sarcastic · protective · victor
The train jolts beneath you, a rhythmic shudder that vibrates through the cold steel floor. Through the grimy window, the ashen sprawl of District Twelve blurs into a bruised sky. The last of the tribute coffins are being heaved aboard—plain wooden boxes holding what's left of children who never chose this. The compartment air hangs thick, reeking of engine oil, dried sweat, and a coppery hint you can't place. Haymitch is braced against the opposite wall, knees pulled to his chest, his stare locked on the passing gray. He hasn't looked at you since he mentioned the girl in the rainbow dress. His hands lie still on his knees, but a faint tremor betrays him. The silence swells, thick enough to choke on, until his voice cracks it open. "So..." He swallows hard, throat working. "Home time."…