There's Nothing More Important than Family, final chapter!

During the sponsor banquet, I don’t say anything. I vaguely remember shaking a few hands before Sean and Olivia lead me to the train.
It’s a long ride home. I sit on the couch and stare out the window as Olivia leans on my shoulder. Sean cleans his fingernails with a knife. Palana prances around, trying to distract us and get us talking.
“I won’t see you all for three months!” she cries. “Don’t you have anything to say?” Eventually, she gives up and starts reading a magazine.
Olivia sleeps in my room again. Her head rests on my shoulder, and it reminds me of when Zania and I slept in this very room. My eyes sting and I try to sleep regardless.
Moray brings me to a deserted room around noon. He dresses me in a simple t-shirt and jeans. This is what I am to wear when I get to District 9. The entire district will be gathered outside the Justice Building, waiting for me. My family will be sitting in seats of honor. I will be awarded my house in Victors’ Village, next to Sean’s and Olivia’s. Then Moray and Palana will be sent home.
The train comes to a start, and I get my game face on. I have to crack a grin at least once. We get ready by the door, and Olivia loops her arm around mine while Sean guides me with a hand on my shoulder. We walk out on to the platform, ignoring the stupid cameras and Capitol reporters.
Peacekeepers usher us into the back entrance of the Justice Building. They show us the way through the maze of corridors. Through the window in front, I see a crowd of familiar faces. My parents are sitting on the stage with my siblings sitting around them. It’s refreshing to see them all again, but I feel hollow, because there’s one person missing.
“Time to shine.” Sean whispers grimly. I open the doors, and step out.
The crowd is screaming. I smile, and it’s genuine; I can’t help it. I wave at people I know; my friends from school, the merchants and the neighbors. The mayor recites a speech, but I can’t hear her over the cries of my district. She gives me the deed to one of the houses in Victors’ Village, and my family and I are escorted there by Peacekeepers.
Now I’m really back home.

My mother embraces me, petting my head hysterically. Louisia is holding back tears as she smiles at me and holds my hand. David stands awkwardly to the side. Dad is holding Katie, as still as a statue while Alex runs around, evidently pretending to be an airplane.

“Hey Nate!” he cries exuberantly. “Where’s Zanie? Momma told me she went to a better place! Where’s that? The Capitol?” He bombards me with questions, but my heart falls at the first one.

“We wanted to wait until you got back for the funeral.” My mother whispers. “We thought you’d want to be there.” I nod somberly. Suddenly, I am stuck in a group hug. Everyone joins in, including my dad. We’re all crying, even Katie, although it’s obvious she has no idea what’s going on. We cry in our new home, until we can’t any longer.

Two Days Later

I look at Zania lying in the coffin. She is starting to decompose, after nearly a week, so I don’t stand too close. Kelly’s ‘art’ is still visible. I’m certain I’ll never be able to hear the words ‘Your move’ again without having a breakdown.
The ceremony is executed by an elderly man from the richer part of town. He says a few parting words, and then closes the coffin. I have no idea where they’re taking her now; I just know that she is to be cremated. My token will burn around her fragile wrist.
Alex tugs on my leg, and I pick him up carefully. His pudgy face is dirty and wet. Yesterday, mom and Louisia explained where Zania had really gone, and how she’ll never come back. He wasn’t taking it to well.
The elder dismisses me, since I choose not to watch the cremation, and I run home. After I lock the door behind me, I leap up the stairs, and barricade myself in the biggest room.
I’d transformed this room into ‘Zania’s room.’
Dad helped me move all her belongings from our old house, and we put them in here. Louisia arranged it like her old room. In a glass case directly below the window sits her token. I sit down beside the case and begin to cry.

One Year Later

I hear a knock at my door. Swiftly, I run down the staircase, and open the door. Olivia smiles at me and I kiss her on the cheek. It had been a while since we’d started going out. She was perfect for me; she knew exactly what I was going through.

“Be back before nine!” My mother calls, but Olivia walks in, and hangs her coat on the rack. “Oh!” Mom cries when she gets to the door. “You guys are staying here tonight?”

“Yes.” I answer. “Olivia wanted to play with Katie.” My mom nods sadly as we walk into the sitting room. My father is sitting on the couch with a drink in his hand. I can tell it’s alcohol by the smell. It doesn’t surprise me; ever since I’d gotten back from the Victory Tour, dad had been irresponsive and he drinks a lot. Mom says he’s gone into shock.
Alex is playing with some toys I’d gotten him from the Capitol. Some days he asks where Zania is and why she isn’t playing with him. We try to explain to him, but he never listens. David tried playing with him instead once, and he threw a tantrum.
Finally, Olivia spots Katie and picks her up. Katie is nearly two years old now. She can walk and even talk a little bit. She’s grown so much; she looks exactly like Zania did at her age. Sometimes when I’m depressed, I look through old family photos. The resemblance in uncanny.
I spend as much time with Katie as I can. Sure, it makes me sad to think of Zania, but I know Katie is helping me heal. I’d never really been a part of Zania’s toddler years, and I am determined to be the best big brother ever for her look-alike. I hope to protect her like I tried to protect Zania, before the arena.

I must look sad, because Olivia takes my hand and squeezes gently. Her blue eyes stare deeply into mine. “I miss her too.” She whispers. I glance down at Katie, who is looking at me with a concerned expression, which looks odd on a two-year old. She then relaxes, and smiles. I know everything is going to get better.