Watt Sparks.

“should I know who you are?”

“Probably not, since I don’t know who you are.”

“I don’t think I know you to miss you, but… oh. You probably weren’t talking to me, were you? Forgive me.”

“I was just talking in general.” Watt chuckled. “I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Watt. District Four Mentor.”

“I’ve been counting minutes! This random boy is back!” Hunter feigned cheerfulness, pretending he didn’t even know the victor - which he did, though not personally. “Welcome back, what can I say?!”

Watt was actually relieved that someone in the Tower didn’t seem to remember who he was. It was nice every now and then...Watt actually wished it happened more often. “You can say ‘nice to see you, my king,’ Watt joked with a grin.

“Party central.”

“Do you enjoy them?”

“I’m fine, but Watt, please just call me Marina.  We’re on the same level now.  I’m not just your mentor anymore.”

“I suppose that’s true,” Watt admitted with a chuckle. Watt has grown up quite a bit in the past year. He was moody and sulky during his last games, even flat out rude during his interview, but this last year made him realize just how happy he was to be alive. “How’s your day going so far, Marina?”

River nodded his head and offered the boy that continuous small smile. “I’m sure he has,” he said. “I apologize for not being heavily involved with your Victory this past year. I’m sure it wasn’t easy on you.”

“It was kind of awkward, to be honest.” Watt admitted with a frown. “I mean...I lived, and these people didn’t, and now they’re family and friends have to listen to me give some lame speech?” Watt shook his head. “The hardest part was the illness though. Thankfully I’m recovering now.”

“yeah-that’s basically it.” He breathed out glad to not have to tell him about the sex ring as well. It was the only improvement of battenberg’s regime he had noticed until now. “The mentor’s and trainers yes, me too partly, but I’m mostly just there to fill out forms and arrange meetings.”

“Don’t worry. They won’t,” he reassured him. “Lucky for you there are four of us, which means not so much work for you. My first year here I barely even met the tributes, I was a mess.”

River was a little stunned by the boy’s question. He was surprised that Kai had never mentioned him, but that wasn’t the point. It felt like a nice relief to know that not everyone knew who he was. So he dropped his hand after the shake, sliding both hands into his pockets and smiled. “Yes, I am,” River chuckled. “I’m Kai’s mentor. The 88th Victor.”

The name sounded oddly familiar...But Watt was never good with names so he merely decided to let it go. Watt looked up at the other man and chuckled as he nodded. “That’s where I’ve heard the name before! Kai’s mentioned you before!”

“That’s good, Watt.  How’re you feeling?” Marina was worried about him.  She knew the first time back in the Capitol was hard after winning.

“Like I practically just got out of a coma.” Watt lamely tried to joke with the other. “How are you doing today, Miss?” Watt asked.

“I get it, just take it easy for now. I know you’re a mentor, but other than just being here, they can’t make you do anything. Marina and I will take care of it all. It’s better that way for now, trust me.”

“You’re hilarious. Truly.”

“It’s a gift.”

“The new victor finally emergeth–” she joked, taking another sip from her glass of wine as she smiled brightly at the victor. She nodded her greeting, “Scarlett Wesley, nice to meet you finally.”

Watt nodded as he looked at the other and smiled. “I have finally decided to grace you guys with my appearance.” Watt joked himself with a cheeky grin. “The name’s Wat Sparks.” He said. “I would offer you my hand, but I’m not sure if what I have is spread by contact.”

River was surprised to see the newest Victor finally emerging. So when he saw him, he felt a well of pride for Kai. While he knew Kai had not favored Watt, it was still a good thing to know that District Four was finally picking up traction, even if the circumstances were foul at this point. The older man stood up, offering the man a gentle, but empty smile as he approached him. 

“I’m afraid none of us will blame you if you still did,” River offered before he offered his dominant hand, which happened to be his prosthetic without thinking. “I believe we had yet to meet. I’m River Caulder. Pleasure, Watt.”

Watt nodded his head when the other said that none of them would blame him. “I suppose so,” Watt chuckled. Everyone here has been so nice so far, he doubted any of them would blame him for still doing. Watt took theother man’s hand, noticing that it was a fake one. But considering what all he had seen in the Capitol, that wasn’t exactly the weirdest thing.

“The name’s Watt Sparks.” Watt said with a small and tired smile as he shook the other man’s hand. “Are you from District Four?” Watt asked curiously as he looked at the other male.