PROLOGUE: The Beginning

OPOV

They were all insane.

Through the glass wall, I watched as Abby opened another champagne bottle and laughed as it now sprayed everyone in the room. I watched as she lost her balance from the table but Harrison was quick to steady her. Rather than jumping off, she continued to dance, as did everyone else.

It was a small victory but they all were.

Each one would bring me closer to the dream.

The dream of how I would be their leader. A vision where I would no longer be just their gladiator, I would be one for all the citizens of America.

Despite the fear that occasionally overwhelmed me, I still felt gratitude and disbelief that I had gotten this far. I was still numbed to the fact that so many delegates had appointed me...and I didn't have to blackmail anyone.

Definitely a victory.

The low knock on the door had me snap my head up to see Huck poke his head in. "You okay?"

An involuntary smile broke through as I nodded. "Yeah" I sighed and stood from the chair so I could walk around and lean on the desk. "I'm fine" I breathed.

I caught the faint smile playing on his lips as he inched in closer. He stopped about a foot away from me and peered up at me with a certain gleam. "You did it" he congratulated me.

This time a laugh did break through as I grinned, "We did it" I corrected and took his hands in mine. "Thank you" I murmured with a newfound seriousness.

He nodded and stepped back with one more half smile before walking out of the room.

I turned back to my desk but froze when I heard his voice. "I suppose a congratulations is in order"

Taking a deep breath, I whirled back around with a tight lipped smile. "Thank you" I replied calmly and crossed my arms over my chest, leaning back onto the desk.

With an unimpressed expression, he brushed away the confetti on his shoulder and then walked further into the room. Each step defined and aired with his great confidence.

"This is only the beginning" my father stepped closer, staring at me with stormy eyes and an expressionless face.

I nodded, trying not to be intimidated with his dark glare. "I know"

He stopped about a foot away from me. "It's now just you and Governor Grant" he reminded me.

"I know" I repeated.

My father now began to scrutinise the room, picking up different ornaments and then placing them back. "The next few months will be brutal and you must now think with your head" he advised, glancing at my book collection. "Every move you make should be calculated and should serve a purpose that will benefit you" he turned to me and stopped in his tracks. Anger was now edged into his creased brow as he said. "We have no room for mistakes"

Dropping my hands by my side, I jutted out my jaw to meet his challenging stare. "I can do this" I vowed, happy that the words didn't falter.

"I know that you will" he accepted and made his way back to me. "Trust with your gut" my father reminded me of how he advised me in all my decision-making. "Somehow, it never let's you down" a small smile tugged at his lips as he said that.

Without another word, he turned around and headed towards the exit, probably ignoring the raging party so he could get some sleep.

"Goodnight dad" I called out.

He paused at the doorway and craned his head slightly. "Goodnight Olivia" he answered and left.

He was right.

This is only the beginning.

A/N: What do you think? Speak out gladiators :)