Once the doors to the veranda closed behind her, everything inside her loosened. She shook as guilt formed tears in her eyes. Haymitch looked at her in concern, rushing over and placing a steady hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry." Helena cried, struggling to breathe. The elder Victor's eyebrows furrowed. "What for Lena?" He asked. The girl took a steady breath, wiping tears from her eyes with her sleeve. "They're dead, all of them, because of me." She responded. The Capitolites in the room looked confused. "Survivor's guilt." Haymitch mouthed to them. The girl had been struggling with it since her game, something Haymitch had worked on her with.

The girl's panic began to escalate, her breaths short and quick, tears streaming down her face. Her eyes darted rapidly around the room. Then, she was transported back into the arena. Stood on that platform as the countdown began. After 24, the tributes started dropping dead in order. Woody,  Electra, Dominic, Corral, Kingsley, Sparky, Elaine, Vincent, Ophelia, Portia, Xavier, Kiara, Reese, Cole... How she couldn't save him.... Fauna, Flax, Aspen, Nathan, Everett, Carlisle,  Lucia, Stella. All of them are dead. Except her.

A hand on her shoulder startled her back, but her breathing was still erratic. It was Haymitch.

He made Helena look him in the eyes, "The districts, what are they?" Helena searched his eyes frantically as she struggled to breathe. "What?" She replied frantically. "Name the districts and their job, starting from Twelve." Haymitch answered. The girl took a shakey breath before she began. "Twelve, Coal. Eleven, Agriculture. Ten, Livestock." As she named off each district, her breathing began to steady out. "District Three is Technology, Two is Masonry, and One is Luxury." When she had finished the districts, she had calmed down. The young girl placed herself in Haymitch's arms, and he hugged her protectively.

"Thank you." Helena muttered into his shoulder. " T's alright, kiddo." The mentor assured.

They had gone over the plan for that evening before Helena was whisked upstairs by the prep team. After placing the girl in a chair, they began on her make-up. Light, natural, and rosy. All to excentuate her innocence. Her hair was put up into a braided bun, with a band of white roses around it.

Then came her dress. It was a baby doll style, as Rosier had explained. White in colour with the tulle skirt like layered petals. It had puffed sleeves as well, and sapphire tulle butterfly appliques dotted around. She had skin coloured stocking on her legs to keep her warm, and on her feet sat a pair of white Mary Jane heels. Her accessories were subtle and nodded to her victory. She noticed the blue flower on her necklace and earrings, reminiscent of Medusa's Breath. The silver of the metal was the same as her blades. It was a subtle reminder to the districts.

"Showtime, little dove." Rosier told her as he helped her off the chair. She smiled sweetly at the man. The stylists quickly changed into his suit and met her at the stairs, leading to the foyer. "Ready?" He asked, holding a hand for her to take. "Ready." She nodded, taking his hand in hers.

The Victor-Stylist duo made their descent, and the party seemed to freeze at her arrival. All around, Helena could see those in attendance: the mayor and her family, peacekeeper generals in their dress uniforms, the victors and their families, along with rich and influential people in the district. Overall, it was quite a small celebration. The young victor remembered to have a smile on her face at all times as she greeted everyone in the room, receiving congratulations from the many attendees.

Then there was the meal. It was by no means Capitol standard. She came to that conclusion after seeing the faces pulled by her prep team, Helena, however, found the meal quite enjoyable. It consisted of fried chicken breast, mashed potatoes, cornbread, collared greens, and gravy. Her glass of sweet tea was constantly refilled by the Avoxes, who usually were there for the upkeep of the Justice Building. Dessert was her favourite part of the meal. It was a peach cobbler served with a rich custard.

After the meal, Helena was expected to dance. First, she danced with Haymitch, then Rosier, then the male Victor's of Eleven, then the Generals. By the end of the evening, Helena was exhausted. When they returned to the train that night, Helena collapsed on her bed the second she changed into her pyjamas, the relief of sleep overcoming her instantly.

The train sped through the night, travelling to their next destination.