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EPILOGUE

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Boggs had refused to allow the girl to walk out of her hospital bed alone and Evelyn had refused the wheelchair. They were both too stubborn for their own good but managed to find common ground as Evelyn clutched onto his arm. It took her almost a whole minute to get her leg to move and another two to get her feet to start walking. 

He held onto her as she managed to limp out of the room and he pretended to ignore the gasps of pain as her muscles pulled with each step. She couldn't help how tightly she gripped his arm and they both knew that he would have bruises the next morning.

Outside the hospital room was impossibly hectic. Doctors and nurses ran around with various carts and gurneys and armed soldiers were posted at every entrance and exit. The sound and sight alone made Evelyn's head flutter.

"Well, well, well," a croaky voice sang out, "If it isn't our little Miracle. Miss me?"

Evelyn, with the help of Boggs, turned to see Johanna Mason surrounded by a multitude of nurses who carried out various tests on the woman. Johanna was a hollow shell of her old self. Her hair had been shaved down to the scalp, her skin clung to her bones and her eyes were vacant. But one thing remained, despite the weeks of torture and torment, Johanna's smirk still playfully jumped around on her face.

Evelyn felt a gasp, finally not of pain, slip past her chapped lips. Boggs kept up with her pace as Evelyn forced her way through the crowds. She even pulled a nurse back unrelentingly and brought Johanna in for an embrace. Boggs finally took the hint and left the girl alone. She could fend for herself. He had seen it more than once. He believed in her.

Johanna let the girl weakly pull her in and they both ignored the protests from the medical professionals around them. One of them let out a tearful laugh.

"You look like shit," Evelyn muttered into her friend's shoulder.

"And you don't?"

They both pulled apart and observed each other. Evelyn held Johanna's chin and moved her head around to inspect the damage. Johanna could only watch as her friend's lips pulled back as she took in the bruises and cuts.

"Stop mothering!" Johanna slapped her hand away.

She sat back onto the bed behind her to avoid falling in front of a room full of people. Her legs were still shaking and her body still protesting. Evelyn opened her mouth. What could she say? Make a white remark or apologise? 

"It's okay. I'm okay," How many times had she told that lie? Johanna lay back on her pillows and sighed in relief as the pain medication entered her system. Her eyes fluttered shut in comfort. "I'm definitely okay now."

Evelyn smiled. At least she was alive. 

"Evie?" Evelyn knew that voice anywhere. She turned to see Finnick wheeling Annie through the crowd on a wheelchair. The girl in front of him looked up with a smile on her perfect mouth. Annie was the most beautiful girl that Evelyn had ever set eyes on. She had the most gorgeous auburn hair that curled perfectly around her face. Her skin was flawless with freckles dotted over her nose and under her eyes. Annie looked remarkable. 

Evelyn tried to stand from the bed but failed but Finnick beat her too it. He parked Annie beside Evelyn's bed and helped Annie to her feet and sat her beside his fiancé. 

"Hi," Evelyn whispered out. She had spent many years resenting Annie for simply existing. But now her heart was full of respect and love. 

Annie brought Evelyn into an embrace. "I'm so happy to finally meet you. I have heard so much about you!"

Evelyn laughed gently and met Finnick's embarrassed eyes over Annie's shoulders. He winked.

Evelyn pulled back, gently caressing Annie's hair. "You're safe now."

Annie forced a smile onto her lips and forced a nod. 

Evelyn knew exactly how it felt to be assured that your were safe with a war waging out your front door. There were threats behind each and every corner and enemies lurking in each shadow. 

As a child, Evelyn was always assured that it wasn't the winning that was important. As long as you played the game that was all that mattered. But playing the game got her nowhere and everyone knows that there are no winners in the Hunger Games. Evelyn was sick and tired of her and her family being pawns in a losing game; of watching them fall from the board. 

Why be a pawn when you could the King?