Born again [Lincoln one-shot]

Butterflies dance in my stomach as the train approaches the district eleven train station. I've never been out of the district before, and I really just want a chance to help everyone. I come from a district that's about fighting and winning the games, but that isn't for me. I want to do something for those who are less fortunate. I just can't tell them I help create the weapons the careers train with. It's such a difficult time, but being a blacksmith has helped me realize just how tough life can be. I don't feel bad though since it's my job, and it's quite peaceful. Yet I grow more and more anxious as the train comes to a stop, and I'm overwhelmed by many things.

It's such an odd place. Crops everywhere. Rows upon rows. Trees towering so high that I can't see above them. It's not like this back home. Back in district two, I'm only used to buildings standing tall. I'm used to smoke pouring into the sky as these building pollute the air. I can see birds flying freely through the air without a care in the world. The crops smell amazing. I've never seen anything like this before, but this place is different, and I don't know what to make of it. In a way, it brings a smile to my face. At the same time, I feel something heavily sitting in my stomach. The heat is nearly unbearable, and I'm afraid of what it can do to those who aren't prepared. I guess I'm more afraid of the people living here because I've heard this is one of the poorest districts in Panem.

I feel lost. I want to run straight to the crops and take a look at them, but I know I can't do that. I'm here to help them. Here to help make them some tools they can use for the harvest. I want them to maybe have a better life, and maybe while I'm here, I can learn something in the process. I want to take life lessons back home to better myself and my family. We've been through a lot over the last several years, and it hurts, but this, coming to district eleven to see what they've been through may help heal the pain that always remains.

One step out of the train station, and I feel the heat instantly taking my breath away. Beads of sweat roll from my brow. It's hard living here in such a cruel world. I can't imagine how they live like this every single day. Everywhere I turn I see peacekeepers patrolling the district. Two isn't like this. Peacekeepers are out and about. They're roaming the district, but nothing like this. I scratch my head before wiping the sweat away. I'm here now, and maybe I can find someone to help me because I'm sort of afraid of being alone, but this is a totally new beginning.