Katniss numbly walked over to the Capitol's horse stables where her chariot awaits the presence of her and Peeta, and all eyes of cheering and praising members of District 1 followed her from above in the stands.
She ignored the desperate shouts and mad applauding and sauntered on, continuing to a pair of large raven horses with thick and luscious manes, one had a small white label under their studded collars in bold print: DISTRICT 12.
They were both connected to a polished chariot designed with gold borders and a natural string of white pansies – in Katniss's relief to roses.
Katniss stroked and glided her hand against the horse's hide and saddle, feeling horrible for how they were treated and fed. She wondered how pathetic she would feel if she were to show off and carry around tributes, and suddenly she felt an odd connection with the horse.
"How did we get here, huh?" she sighed quietly, giving a slight smile to the horse.
"Katniss" a familiar voice called out into the stables interrupting her thoughts, a voice that she instantly recognised. A voice she repeatedly tried to avoid.
"Hello Finnick" she nodded in confirmation before spinning around on her heel to find him half nude.
Finnick Odair. The sex symbol of Panem of District 4, Victor at the age only of fourteen. He had a gold coral themed chain organised around his neck, with a thinner necklace tied to a shark tooth. His toned and bare chest was exposed and he wore only long deep green shorts paired with a thick black belt.
Finnick tossed a small white object into the air and caught it in his other hand as he approached Katniss, "Do you want a sugar cube, Everdeen?" he asked seductively identifying the object.
He turned to the horses, watching her facial expression change. "I mean they're supposed to be fore the horses but, who cares about them right?"
At this point, Katniss was fighting the urge walk away. "They've got years to live, whereas you and I – when we see a chance we better grab it" he finished and flicked the cube into his hand and laid it in his palm presenting it to her.
She turned away from his gift and continued to comfort the horses, and chuckled turning cold, "No, but I would like to borrow that outfit someday" her tone turning bitter and insulting even, seeing the true Finnick Odair – selfish, rude and not worthy as an ally.
He frowned slightly, then composed himself into a luring smirk, "You look pretty terrifying and, ugh, scary in that getup" he shot back with a grimace, not bothering to use sarcasm.
"What happened to the pretty little girl dresses?"
"I out grew them" Katniss replied instantly feeling her palms sweat, as his ego grew on her.
Finnick scanned her up and down, making her feel uncomfortable "And you certainly did" he purred seductively, smirking again.
He sighed and brushed his hand through the horse's mane, "It's a shame about this Quell thing," he nodded.
"Now you – you could have made out a bandit in the Capitol. Jewels, money, anything you ever wanted" he said prodding a finger into her shoulder.
"Well I don't like jewels and I have more money than I need so… uh, what did you do with your wealth anyway?" Katniss asked lousily, and took a step back feeling her blush from the heat under all her makeup.
He took another step forward, "Ooh, I haven't done anything with money in years"
Lie, Katniss thought replaying all the images in her head when she saw him on her television with fancy clothes, houses and anything that he desired.
Instead of saying something too insulting she asked, "Then how do people pay for the pleasure of your company?"
Oops.
Finnick smirked getting used to this little game, taking another step, partially closing the gap in between them. Katniss glanced at him, hiding her fear. She looked around quickly scanning the area for any signs of Peeta, Cinna, or maybe even Effie.
Finnick glanced around as if making sure no one could hear, "Secrets" he hushed leaning in for his answer.
"What about you girl on Fire? Any secrets worth my time?" he asked.
"I- I'm not sure, everyone else know them before I do" Katniss answered, stuttering seeping through her confidence.
"Unfortunately I think that's true" he nodded with a thinking frown.
"You know what else I think?" he tilted his head slightly, his grey ocean eyes drowning her thoughts.
"I don't bother to ask" she muttered under her breath hiding a shaky hand by waving it through her black bouncy curls.
"That you're very pretty girl, woman I should say" he complimented, any girl in Panem would love to trade spots with Katniss at this moment, she was granted lucky, but to her this was nerve wrecking.
She took this as a joke and laughed nervously, "Over all this makeup"
"What's wrong? Is the Mocking jay missing Gale?" Finnick teased and waited for his words to register to her.
Katniss's face had fallen and her eyes widened. How did he know?
"Secrets" he repeated in the same hushed tone.