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DAYS BEGAN TO become darker and darker, everyone felt winter coming. And so, the field work was done for some time. Other work would be asked of the people in district 9. Sadly, this also meant that hunger became a problem for the people living in said district. Because even with the food they got with Thana's victory, not everyone had enough, and the Capitol made food prices too high for poorer families to buy enough food to survive.
Every family suffered under the expenses the Capitol asked of them to life, whether it would be work or prices, life in the winter always has been harder and less happy than the summer months when everyone helps each other, and they celebrate multiple weddings and the ending of the field work season.
"My darling," Jamila smiles as Latif enters their home, "how are you?"
"I am okay, mom," the boy says as he kisses her cheek, "where are the others?"
"Zahra is getting some water and Verrill is still working," Jamila answers her son.
"What about Thana?" Latif asks, not noticing her presence in the home, "where is she?"
"Thana is at her own house," the mother says as she puts the last ingredients in the pan, "something about making a lot of soup. She's been gone all day and says she won't eat with us."
"Okay," Latif says, "you need any help?"
"If you will give me any," Jamila says, "then you can deck the table."
Once Thana reaches the square with a big stockpot, a lot of people are still doing their grocery shopping. She got herself a permit to sell soup by the mayor, so she sets her stockpot there with plastic bowls and spoons. Many people look at her in question as she puts op a sign that she sells soup for the price of only a smile.
"Are you serious?" the voice of her sister, Sadiya, scares Thana.
"I am most certainly serious, dear sister." Thana smiles at her.
"That is amazing, Thai, many people will need it." The genuine look in her eyes make Thana's eyes almost water.
"Can you please move, Mrs Sol?" the voice of an old lady reaches the sisters.
"Of course, Mrs Cerly," Sadiya says, "have a nice evening little sis."
"Could I please have some soup?" Mrs Cerly asks Thana.
"Of course, Mrs Cerly," Thana says and the older woman smiles, "here you go."
"You're an angel," the older woman steps away to reveal a long queue.
The whole evening long, Thana hands out bowls of soup to the people in need. Those who can't survive without any help in food. Now that she has more than enough money to help them, she most certainly will not sit around and do nothing. Besides, she loves making soup.
The next morning early, Thana knocks on Rohan's house for preparation for the victory tour that comes closer with the day. In two days, Thana will be on the train. Touring through all the districts as the victor of the games to finally reach the Capitol where there will be a party in honour of her, the victor. Thana hopes that she will see Johanna again, the victor from the year before still on her mind.
"Come in," Rohan says as he opens the door. "Carita, is still asleep so we need to be quiet."
"Of course," Thana smiles at her mentor, "how are you doing?" The looming question hangs above Rohan's head as he closes the door.
"I am fine," the man answers, "but we need to look through your schedule."
"My prep team will today for the festivities here," Thana says, "then I will greet the Capitol tomorrow and, in the evening, get on the train to start in district 12 with the tour, so I can get there the day after that and so on."
"Correct," Rohan says, "but don't forget that you have a victory party in the Capitol and need to stay in your persona."
"Right," resentment rings in Thana voice, "my persona." It is not like her persona is that far from who she is, but now she can't react genuinely is she doesn't like anything and they expect it from here. "I just need to be a happy, kind and sort of innocent all the time."
"Great," Rohan says, "your prep team will be here in an hour so, if you need to get anything off your chest, now is the chance."
"It is so good to see you again," her prep team greets her as they get in with Ilya and August.
"Likewise," is the short answer of Thana as she welcomes them in her house to get ready for the victory tour.
Once Thana's whole bag is determined for the Victory tour and her prep team is done with her make-up; Ilya sends everyone away to help Thana in a long sleeve short yellow dress and some nude tights. Against the cold, Ilya decides for a pair of light brown high boots and a long coat in the same colour. Thana's hair is let loose, no pin in her hair. Furthermore, there is only a simple golden necklace and earrings.
"You look breath-taking, like always." Ilya complements the young girl.
"Thank you," Thana says as she looks at herself in the mirror. She found herself prettier in orange, but she knows that yellow belongs to her persona and orange to herself.
The festivities at nine feel cold in comparison to any other festivities, so after saying goodbye to her family; Thana doesn't feel homesick to it at all. But still, she wishes she could be there instead of having to greet the Capitol and go on that victory tour. Everyone around her is already making sure she looks perfect again. She sees every camera set up at the train station where she will enter the train.
"Don't forget to smile," Rohan says to Thana as he gets on his place.
"And we will go in, 1, 2, and 3." Some camera woman says.
"Hello everyone," Thana says with a smile while Rohan enters the train.
"It is good to see you again, Thana," Caesar greets the girl, "you look beautiful as always."
"That is very kind of you Caesar," Thana smiles at the camera, "it is lovely to speak to you."
"And with that statement she calls me kind," the man laughing, "but onto some serious business. We heard that your sister got married, congratulations."
"She did yeah," Thana smiles at the thought of the wedding, trying not to show her unease, "it was a beautiful day, one she deserved."
"That is wonderful," Caesar says, "are you ready for the victory tour?"
"I am Caesar," Thana gives the camera a big smile and waves, "and I can't wait to meet you again in the Capitol."
"As can't we," Caesar laughs, "we make sure the Capitol is ready for your visit."
"And done," the camera woman says. Making the smile on Thana's face fall before she even boards the train.
Nora speaking here! Another update as I procrastinate my uni work, I just really wanted to call Sadiya Mrs Sol now that she is married. But besides that point, I just really want to be done with act I and now it is only two more chapter I think :)
