Revolt 13 | Y.Jw

| 2. Teaser |

February

The Victory Tour had passed by with no problem. At least not for Jungwon and I. We had only experienced a few public executions, which we had to speak over and act like we didn't see. For that sole reason it was obvious some sort of relief had washed over Jungwon and I now that we were nearing the last five minutes of our interview with Augustus. Soon we could go back home and that was it. Venus had initially tried to convince us to go to the party at the President's house to celebrate, but both Jungwon and I had agreed we felt more like just going home.

"Now... last time you were here you mentioned moving to the same district," Augustus started and glanced over the audience, "I need to know how that went? Has it happened? Do you see each other as often as we hope you do?"

"To be honest with you Augustus we first saw each other again in January when this tour began," Jungwon admitted and looked over at me with a small smile as I nodded, "hopefully they can add a few days to the train trip home. Slow down the speed a bit, a loose train track or anything really."

"I can understand that," Augustus laughed before looking at me with expectation.

"Well..." I trailed off and hesitantly glanced at Jungwon, "I did apply for the Thirteen to Twelve programme," I admitted and small gasps went through the audience.

"Now, not everyone in the Capitol will know what that is. Can you please explain it to us, Jiyeon?" Augustus questioned and I forced out a small laugh.

"Of course," I hummed and frowned momentarily to find the proper way to explain it, "the Thirteen to Twelve programme is an opportunity for anyone living in the Political Camps around Thirteen to prove their good behavior and national thinking and thereby be moved to District Twelve as a reward for their nationalistic look and good work ethic."

"And what did it say?" Augustus eagerly questioned as I glanced around the room, unintentionally dragging out the suspense.

"I got it denied," I admitted and immediately complaints went through the audience, "I applied twice, rule is the second time it goes to the Capitol, and it was denied as well."

"Now why would they not let you move to Twelve?" Augustus pondered with dismay as he shook his head with the audience.

"They need to have their victor I suppose," I admitted with a small laugh and he immediately nodded, "but it is quite alright. Despite not being with Jungwon as often as I'd like I know I'll see him annually and now I can make sure my family lives under proper circumstances and won't have to worry about the next meal."

"Hmm... family security," Augustus nodded solemnly, "well, I think I speak on behalf of everyone here that I simply can't wait to see you two back here for the next games. This time as mentors and in cozy safety. Your future tributes are indeed very lucky to have you."

I was relieved we didn't get to comment further on Augustus' statement. I don't think I would've been able to say anything that would've made the president happy. I was simply just relieved to be led off stage and down to get helped out of my dress by Carda as Venus paced the room.

"Great remark," Venus commented as Carda helped me into proper clothes for when I got back onto the train in an hour or so, "saying the Capitol denied you to move to Twelve despite your hard work. It'll either make the public mad on your behalf or feel like you've blamed them. We can only hope the first."

"Did you feel personally targeted by what I said?" I questioned and pulled my hair out of the up-do Carda had done for me. Walking out to follow Venus back to the train.

"Not at all," he shook his head.

"Then I suppose the first one is what we'll experience."

I had barely even made it onto the train with Venus before I had been confronted by Jungwon. His eyes darting around on my face and looking all bewildered.

"Are you alright?" I questioned quietly.

"Why did you not tell me you had applied for the programme? Twice even?" he questioned immediately and I shrugged as I glanced after Venus, who greeted Marianne in the next room. Both sounding happy to see one another.

"When would I have had the time?" I questioned and he pursed his lips quietly.

"When your nightmares wake you up," he replied and I looked back at him with a small frown, "I know you have them. I can hear you sometimes."

"Why haven't you said anything? If I knew I was loud during my nightmares I would've done something to not wak-" I started immediately.

"I have them too. I'm awake by the time I hear you," he murmured quietly, "you should've told me... and the nightmares don't disappear by shielding yourself from me."

"I haven't been shielding myself from you," I snorted in disbelief and he simply arched a brow.

"You've barely spoken to me outside of the schedule," he pointed out and I hummed quietly, "you're shielding yourself from something and even though you don't mean to I am kept out of it as well."

"I barely speak with anyone anymore," I whispered and he nodded slowly, "I can't speak with them."

"Speak with me," he insisted and reached out to grab my hand, "we both have the same experiences. If you can't speak with them, surely you can speak with me."

"Everytime I look at you I can only see the boy that was dying from Sepsis in that cave," I admitted and he pursed his lips with disappointment.

"Do I look like him?" he questioned and I shook my head, "then quit pitying me like that. Speak with me if you need anything or anyone. You know you can do that. Then do it."

When I was too long about replying Jungwon simply sighed and let go of my hand, walking off to join Venus and Marianne while I went down to go to bed.