After the war we said we'd fight together, I guess we thought that's just what humans do
Letting darkness grow, As if we need it's palette and we need it's color
But now I've seen it through, And now I know the truth
I'll give you everything you need, But I don't think I need you
- Anything Could Happen, Ellie Goulding
Sleep didn't really come that night. It never really did on the Capitol trains. Just when I felt myself drifting off, Effie came clapping down the hallway.
"Up, Up, Up. It's going to be a big, big day."
I groaned loudly, shouting profanities at her. Must she do that every year? And why was she so chipper at 7am anyway.
I couldn't be bothered to take a shower so I just went straight to breakfast in my baggy tshirt and pyjama shorts.
"Morning," I grunted, helping myself to coffee and pancakes.
Effie glared at me. "What are you wearing?"
I ignored her and went back to eating, shovelling the pancakes into my mouth.
Haymitch and Peeta came in a few minutes later and they were... Talking?
The pair had never really said anything to each other, bar the odd word here and there when I was around. But now they were acting like old chums. And Haymitch was actually mentoring. This was too weird.
"So you just trust them?" Peeta was asking.
"You don't trust them. You just stick with them, like a leech. Use them, like they're using you. Then when the times right, you bail," Haymitch said. His eyes were bloodshot but other than that he seemed pretty sober.
"I don't know..." Peeta said, sitting down beside me.
"If you want to live kid, you gotta do what you gotta do." Haymitch went to grab the decanter filled with wine but then stopped himself, settling on the pot of coffee. I grinned at him proudly.
I was pretty happy that Peeta was making an effort. But then I remembered it was all for Katniss and my mood plummeted again.
Peeta inspected my mug and mock gagged.
"Ugh, coffee," he said, pulling a face.
"Here." I poured him a mug of hot chocolate. "I think I gave you this before."
He took a sip of it and his eyes gleamed hungrily. "That's delicious." He picked up a bread roll and dipped it into the mug before eating it.
I wrinkled my nose. "You're really weird," I said, eyeing up the soggy brown bread. It looked disgusting.
"So, what about shelter," Peeta asked turning his attention back to Haymitch.
Katniss then strolled in looking quite chilled out and calm. Her hair was smooth and she was dressed fairly smartly in a skirt; a complete contrast of me with my wild hair and old stained shirt.
"So, how do you find shelter?" she asked, sitting across from Peeta.
Haymitch narrowed his eyes at her. It was obvious he had taken a shine to Peeta more.
"You shouldn't be so aggressive sweetheart," he said loftily. "It's not all about the survival."
"Isn't it?" she asked. It sounded kind of rude, but I think she was sincere. It was just her tone was always attacking.
"It's all about public performance," I joined it. "From the moment you step off the train you've got to build your character."
"Character?" Peeta asked, looking as bewildered as Katniss.
"You've got to get people to like you. They like you, you've got sponsors," Haymitch said.
"So we have to assume some character?" Katniss asked.
"Not a completely different persona," I said, taking another stack of pancakes. "Just an extension of yourself. Omitting all the bad bits and focusing on the positive things that the audience want. Like innocence, humour, stuff like that."
I pursed my lips and looked at them both curiously, a small smile playing on my lips. Haymitch looked too and his expression perked up.
"You kids are actually pretty lucky. You're kind of readymade for this."
"He's right. Peeta's the cute and friendly boy next door and Katniss is the quiet innocent one who would do anything for her sister," I said, my mood soaring upwards.
This thing was 50% fight, 50% appearance. Maybe we had a shot at winning...
I left to get ready as they continued talking. We would be arriving at the Capitol pretty soon and I would need to look glowing for my lovers reunion with Finnick. How fun.
Snow would want me in a pretty dress with perfect hair but I wasn't in the mood for that. To be honest, I didn't know why I was keeping up with this fake relationship after his stunt at the reaping. He had used his leverage, but knowing Snow he would have something else up his sleeve. I'd have to humour him, but there was no way I'd wear a puffy dress.
I settled on a skirt and wore boots as my small form of rebellion; I also left my hair wild. I needed some form of 'Twelve Emery' with me to help me through the day. I popped in my contacts and went back to the dining cart.
We were almost at the Capitol, the sparkling blue waters surrounded the tracks as we approached the now small towers in the distance.
"Is that it?" Peeta asked in awe.
I nodded. "That's the place."
"It's so..." He stopped himself and looked embarrassedly at Katniss, his ears turning pink.
"You can say it's cool," I said, sitting down on the window seat next to him. "It is. It's just not fair in comparison to the way we live. But there's nothing we can do," I sighed wistfully.
I wondered if Finn and his friend Rocky had an update on the whole 'district upset' problem last year. It had calmed down but the games always caused a bit of upset.
As always, my stomach plummeted as we went through the tunnel. My heart began to race though I was unsure if this was because of being in the tunnel or the photographers waiting at the end of it.
I nervously twisted my earrings and took deep breaths, trying my hardest not to be sick or pass out. This place made me crazy. Well, crazier.
"You guys ready?" Katniss nodded, Peeta did too.
Light glowed at the end of the tunnel before we were plunged into brightness, the flashes from the cameras blinding me.
I backed away and moved further into the train while Peeta remained put, waving happily at the photographers.
"That kid sure knows what he's doing?" Haymitch said.
I looked to Katniss who, in turn was looking at Peeta. Her usual empty face filled with curiosity. She may hate the Capitol as much as me, but if she wanted to survive, she needed to take a leaf out of Peeta's book.
I practically ran from the train into the car that would take us to the training centre. The photographers made chase, shouting various questions, but I jumped straight into the backseat, thankful for the tinted windows.
Peeta and Katniss would go to be prepped while I did... Well I didn't know exactly what the mentors did before the opening ceremony. Maybe I could sleep, or go get pancakes.
But that was a short lived dream. When we got inside the training centre, Finnick was waiting for me in the lobby. A few photographers were 'hiding' around the room. I guess this was our big reunion then.
I ran over to Finnick, him meeting me half way and threw myself into his arms. He caught my waist, lifting me off the ground and pulling me into him as I buried my face into his neck. He put me down and I smiled at him genuinely.
"I missed you," I said honestly, hugging him again. It wasn't in the way everyone else thought, but he was still one of my best friends and it was tough being apart from him for six months.
"Me too. How you doing squirt?" I pulled a face. He took my hand and gave it a squeeze. "I'm sorry about your friend, but it'll be okay. We'll help him."
"We'll?" I asked sceptically. Finn had his own tributes to worry about; he didn't need my problems too.
He smiled at me kindly. "We'll," he said again. "I know what it's like mentoring someone you care about."
I was about to ask him who but then I remembered: Annie. I wondered how they were getting on, but we couldn't discuss it out here in the open.
"So, do you want to meet Peeta?" I asked, changing the subject.
Finnick laughed lightly. "Hate to break it to you, but it's gone to be made all nice and shiny for the opening ceremony."
Lord help him. If he also had to ride around the Capitol naked, I would personally leap into the parade and set fire to their chariot. That would probably be less painful and embarrassing.
"What do we do now then?" I asked.
Finn leant down towards me, his green eyes sparkling with mischief. "Anything we want."
Anything we want turned out to be pancakes. We went to the bakery, the same one we visited on my first day in the Capitol, the day we met. I remembered how in awe I had been in the place, and how I thought Peeta would have loved it to see it, though I hoped he never had to. Funny how that turned out.
Usually I felt lonely at the Capitol but it was weird thinking he was only half an hour away, getting prepped for this evening. I shuddered at the thought, something Finn noticed.
"You okay?" he asked as we sat down at a table. The place was pretty deserted. It had been a late night in the Capitol with all the reaping celebrations so not a lot of people were out.
"Just thinking about Peeta," I said sadly, looking down at my menu, though I knew exactly what I wanted.
Finnick grabbed my hand and gave it a light squeeze. "He'll be fine, as I said before we'll help him out."
"Well there's a complication I haven't told you yet," I sighed. "Peeta has decided he's in love with Katniss and won't let her die in there."
"They're together?" Finnick asked wide eyed.
"No, they've barely said two words to each other." The annoyance was clear in my voice. My tone was pretty loud but I didn't care. I was peeved and this was my last time to vent before I had to suck it and dive into mentor duties.
"I just don't understand why he's throwing his life away for someone so bitchy and rude and boring and snooty..."
"Is someone jealous of Katniss?" Finn's eyes sparkled with amusement.
I pulled a face and stuck my Tongue out. "Ew, of course not. He's like my brother."
"So why do you hate Katniss so much?"
"I don't hate her, I just don't like her."
"And why's that?" he asked with a knowing smile. I narrowed my eyes at him. What did he know?
I gave a small smile as a sign of defeat. "There's this guy who I really like, and he's in love with Katniss."
Finnick whistled and leant back in his chair. "Why's everyone on this girl? What she got, three tits?"
My jaw hit the floor. "Oh my God, you're actually a pig!"
He just smiled boyishly. "Sorry, it's the Capitol, it gets to my head."
"Sure, blame the Capitol." I couldn't believe he said that, it was so disrespectful and not to mention completely gross.
He laughed again. "I'll blame you then. The sight of your gorgeous face sends my brain into a frenzy."
"You two are adorable," a voice said from behind us. I turned around and saw the owner of the bakery with a huge smile on his face and two loaves of bread in hand.
"For Miss Abernathy and Mr Odair," he said, placing one each in front of us. "Our compliments."
"Thank you," I said gratefully. He had given us both the bread of our districts. I wasn't really a fan of our grainy bread from Twelve, but it was a nice gesture.
"Your usual order of Pancakes is on its way too," he said.
Finnick laughed. "You know you come here too often the owner knows your order."
"We'd never forget our favourite customers. How are you two doing? I read a weddings on the cards, no?"
I turned bright red. "No, definitely not."
"Not yet anyway," Finnick said, covering up. He gave me a warning glance. I wasn't supposed to be squirmy; I was supposed to be a happy Capitol girl in love.
I laughed airily. "We haven't really had time to talk about it. We've been apart for six months."
The owner gasped. "Then why are you in my little shop. You should be getting reacquainted with each other."
I turned red again while Finnick laughed at my discomfort. "We will be soon," he said, giving me a cheeky wink.
Thankfully, our food came out then, saving me from further embarrassment. Was it national crude day or something?
The pancakes were delicious as always. As we ate we (quietly) talked about Gale and I, and Finnick and Annie.
Finn had kissed her on the cheek last week, something he was ecstatic about. I found it both hilarious and adorable that someone who had sex on a regular basis got excited over something so small. But I suppose when you cared about someone so much it was different. Every touch and glance was precious.
His little kiss was also a big step up from his picnic fiasco two months prior which ended in Annie having a panic attack, just because he had mentioned the word 'flood.'
I had thought I had problems with Gale, but Finnick's were ten times worse. At least Gale had the ability to think straight, though that statement was very debatable.
After we ate, we went for a wander around the streets while Finn told me all about the duties of a mentor. Our hands had somehow become entwined while we walked. Was it for the cameras or an act of friendship, I didn't know. But I did know I liked it, more than I probably should.
"Todays literally the only day we're gonna get off," he told me as we strolled down a quieter street filled with town houses similar to ours. "For the next three days we mentor, while going to various brunches, lunches, dinner parties trying to rack up sponsors. You get out of one and go to the next, it's relentless."
I gulped. I hated Capitol parties as it is. But to have to go to nine of them in the next three days was going to be torture.
"But it doesn't finish when they go into the arena," Finn continued, my mood plummeting even futher. "We're still expected to gather sponsors, even while helping them in the arena. We have big TV screens that kind of need a 24 hour watch. All the victors are on energy shots, you literally only get about an hour or two's sleep a day until your tributes are out."
"Wow," I said quietly. I hadn't even realised how much hard work had gone into being a mentor. You had to be looking out for your tributes constantly, even when they were sleeping.
And on top of that Finnick had his 'courtesan' duties too. He really was a superhero.
"How do you cope?" I asked, completely baffled.
"Its not too bad. I have Mags to help. She monitors the screens, I do all the sweet talking. It's Haymitch I feel sorry for, he's been on his own for years."
I looked up to Finn curiously. "But what did he do for sponsors, how did I get them?"
He blushed slightly and looked down at his feet as we walked along the pavement. "I helped out a little."
"Finnick!" I said, hitting his arm. "I hope you didn't sleep with any vile people to help me." He went quiet, so I hit him again.
"Ow," he said dramatically rubbing his arm, though I hadn't even hit hard.
I ignored him. "How could you do that to yourself?"
"A small price to pay for your life; I couldn't let you die. Beside, it's you."
I could feel my bottom lip quiver while he spoke. After Haymitch's adoption, It was the nicest thing anyone had done for me. My fake boyfriend was pretty amazing.
"You really are sweet you know that," I said, holding his hand again and leaning into his shoulder.
"Of course I am, I'm Finnick Odair."
"And then you ruin it..."
We had somehow found our way to Rocky's club, 'Vintage.' It looked as run down and dodgy as always, but I knew we weren't here for the flat beer.
"I've got some business to take care of, okay?" Finnick said, leading me over to the front door.
I nodded. "Did you want me to..."
"Oh no," he said, pulling me closer to him. "You're part of this now."
I know it was stupid, but I was actually really excited to speak to Rocky and hear his stories of unrest. It was awful that these things were happening, but it meant change was coming.
Things had been pretty quiet since my victory last year. The little flicker of hope I had brought with my tragic story had died out, but maybe it would be ignited again somehow.
Rocky was very pleased to see us. He gave us both a big hug and lead us upstairs where another victor, Beetee, was sat.
"Didn't know you were going to be here," Finnick said, shaking his hand. I just smiled awkwardly in the background, not really knowing Beetee all that well.
"Just going over some technical issues. Breaking into the watch database is pretty impossible, they have firewalls to their firewalls. It's going to take a direct crack from Madlocks hard drive to access it," Beetee said.
I hadn't understood a word he had said, which was probably why he was so open about it. I had no idea what a firewall was and I thought Madlock was a sleazy politian. This little trip to Rocky was supposed to be interesting, but my brain just hurt from trying to process this information.
Finnick though, seemed to know what he was talking about. "We'll just have to leave that now, it's not a priority at the moment with the games. The arena?"
"A forest," Rocky answered. "They've got something big for the final two but we're still trying to crack that." He turned to me. "Dont tell anyone about this alright, not even your father."
I nodded furiously. So the arena was a forest. I knew that would easily play into Katniss' favour; she spent most her time in the woods back home. It was a slight reassurance.
I sat down at the table just as Beetee made to go. "I best be off. Nice to see you all."
Rocky left to see Beetee out then came straight back, a friendly grin on his face.
"So that was..."
"Gobbledegook," I laughed with a shrug. "It was like what he was saying was made up words."
Rocky sat down opposite Finn and myself. "Ah non, il est juste un homme très futé. Mais vous trop comprendrez un jour"
I jumped back in surprise, sure horror coated my face. "What was that?" I squeeked. Was there an entire dictionary of words I had never been taught.
They both laughed. "Rocky speaks French," Finnick explained. "Its a different language."
I screwed my nose up in confusion. "Whats a language?"
"Like words, but different ways of saying them from other countries," Rocky said, looking quite smug about his secret gift.
"Other countries?" I asked excitedly.
"Yes but from before the revolution, when America was about. No one really speaks them anymore; I know no one else who does."
"Who taught you?" Finnick looked intrigued. He'd obviously never heard this part of the story either.
"I taught myself, to piss my dad off mainly." Rocky laughed again. "I also found a book on Gaelic. Now I'm certain no one speaks that. It wouldn't hurt to pick up a few phrases."
He leant across to the mini fridge and took out three beers, knocking the caps off on the table. "Now enough about languages," he said, handing us both a bottle. "Lets get down to business."
Instead of talking directly to Finnick, he turned to me. "The girl from your district, Katniss. I need everything on her, as much information as possible."
What would Rocky want with Katniss? I was about to voice my confusion, but Finnick beat me to it.
"Whats wrong with her?" He asked, taking a swig of his beer.
"Nothing at all. But her heroic moment at the reaping has gotten everyone in a bit of a frenzy. There's quite a bit of public support behind this one." Rocky both looked at us pointedly, trying to get his point across. Katniss could be the one, the one to spark a revolution. They had previously thought that role would go to me, but my influence had flickered out long ago.
"We had this conversation last year about Emery though," Finn injected. I didn't know that. I raised my eyebrows at him but he was still looking at Rocky.
"Yeah well that didn't work did it but I can feel this in my bones." Rocky's eyes shone when he spoke; he really believed in what he was saying. "Its too soon after Emery. You're still fresh in their mind and now Katniss and her sisters been screwed over too..."
"Of course it depends what happens in the arena," Finn butted in, making sure Rocky didn't get too carried away.
He waved him off. "Which is why I need information on her, is she worth my sponsorship?" he asked me.
I wanted to ask where a bar owner got the money to sponsor a tribute but I could see he was restless for information.
"She hasn't even been to training yet." He still looked at me expectantly. I sighed. "I'd say yes, way more skilled than I was. She hunts in the woods by our district. She got a good shot."
Rocky looked elated but I was surprised to hear disappointment in my voice. Was I really upset that someone from my district had a chance of winning, just because they wasn't Peeta. This impartial thing was going to be a lot more difficult than I thought.
Rocky asked me to keep him updated then went on to show us the design for secret talking devices we could use in emergencies. They were like phones but we could video message or even send written messages to each other. But the devices were disguised as ordinary items like hand mirrors or a wallet. It was quite ingenious. Rocky had been very busy.
"If my Katniss hunch it right, you'll get these by the end of the month," he said, stashing the plans away. "They'll be just what we need to communicate what's going on in the districts when you get back home."
I was pretty excited to get my device. It would be nice to talk to Finn without worrying someone would be tapping the line.
"We best be off," Finnick said after our second beer. "The opening ceremonies will be starting soon and you've got prep."
"How come you don't need prep?" I pouted. I knew it was just a wax and hair cut but it was still annoying.
"Because I'm too gorgeous and don't need it," he said with a serious expression. "Now get your little ass in gear."
The sun was beggining to set as we walked back to the training centre. I was a little worried about being late, so we powerwalked, but it was still quite a while away.
"Rocky..." I said quietly as we walked. "How do you know him?"
"From the bar really. We became friends that way and then I found out his hatred for his city so he joined the cause," Finn explained.
"He said about money..."
Finnick let out a small laugh. "His dads one of Snow's Parliment."
"What?" I squeeked. I did not see that one coming.
"They don't really get on. Rocky, or Richard, hates him. But Dakota still keeps him around, for publicity you know."
I nodded. My feelings for Rocky was pretty mixed. Son of politian, mysterious and rich, on paper i definitely shouldn't trust him. But on paper, people in my district shouldn't trust me either. Besides, he was a friend of Finnick and that was good enough for me.
As we neared the training centre the photographers began to appear. The closer we got the more that seemed to come. We practically had to push our way into the lobby, the flashes blinding us. I grabbed Finnick's hand as he fought his way inside.
"You okay?" he asked when we were in. They were still taking pictures through the windows as we spoke. I nodded and he kissed my head. Sending the cameras into another frenzy.
Finnick put his arm around me and led me to the elevator. He insisted on dropping me off the the twelfth floor but I was having none of it.
"I'm perfectly fine of standing in an elevator myself," I said proudly.
"If you're sure..."
"No Finnick please stand with me, my life's incomplete without you!" I spread my arms out into a sweeping hug.
"Oh my darling, let's elope." He got down on one knee and grabbed my hand, kissing me lightly on my knuckles.
The elevator doors pinged open onto the fourth floor. "Damn you elevator," he cried. He stood back up. "After the ceremony?"
"You on." We high fived before he got off the elevator. The doors closed and carried on up to my floor.
I felt a little lonely without him by my side. We had spend the day together, holding hands most the time. Even when the photographers were gone we were still subconciously touching.
As a stylist waxed my body and straightened my hair, I thought back on the day and my seriously screwed up relationship with Finnick. He was supposed to be my friend, but why did I want to spend all my time with him.
I missed him, I actually missed him, even though I had only seen him half an hour ago.
Maybe I should just give up on this Gale dream. He obviously didn't care about me. But Finn did and I him.
I had realised long ago that I had some small feelings for him. Maybe I should just stop oppressing them and see what happens. We were suppose to be a couple anyway. What would happen if we just stopped faking it.
My dress for the ceremony was black, with a long netted translucent skirt which floated a centimetre above the floor.
"Thanks a lot," I said to stylist.
"No problem honey. Say hi to your sex God for me."
I smiled awkwardly. We were kind of a package deal now, maybe we should embrace it.
Haymitch waiting in the living area in a grey suit. If his shirt wasn't untucked I'd say he looked sharp.
"Look at you handsome," I said, hugging him tightly.
"I try my best sweetheart," he mumbled. He was drunk, but I'd seen him a lot worse. "How was your day with lover boy?"
"Good," I smiled. "How was your day with yours?"
"Watch it cheeky," he laughed, lightly hitting me on the back of my head. "And my Chaff was fabulous, I'll tell him you were asking after him."
I pulled a face which made him laugh harder.
I pressed the button to call the elevator and it came virtually straight up, but it wasn't empty.
Finnick stood there, looking very handsome in his suit. His bronze hair was rugged, making him look boyish. A stupid grin appeared on my face.
"Hey," I said, walking into the elevator and standing beside him.
"Hi," he smiled back. "You look great."
Haymitch snorted. "Since when did you two turn into such teenagers."
I blushed and looked down but out the corner of my eye I could see Finnick blushing too. I knew why I was embarressed but why was he? Could he be having the same thoughts I did?
We were both stuck in relationships that were going nowhere. Maybe he thought too that we should give things a go. Our lives had been anything but rosy, we deserved a little bit of happiness, even if it was only for a couple of weeks.
A security guard escorted us in silence up to the balcony where we would watch the ceremony with the other victors. Johanna Mason gave me a small nod as Finnick went over to talk to her. A part of me wanted to follow but then I realised what a puppy I was being so I stayed with Haymitch.
Beetee was there too. His twinkling eye caught mine and gave me a small smile. I surpressed a grin back.
The anthem played before the tributes came out in their carrages.
"They look like flamencos," Haymitch laughed as District One came out in feathers.
"Better than Two," I mumbled who strongly resembled spoons.
Finnick came and stood beside me and took part in the outfit slaying.
"I'm dreading seeing ours," I moaned. I was naked last year, how were poor Peeta and Katniss going to look.
But then I saw them. At first they were only a light in the distance but as they neared I saw they were on fire.
I, along with the rest of the crowd, gasped in shock. But when they're happy faces appeared on the big screen, I realised they weren't in pain and began to enjoy it like everyone else.
They were mesmerising. They looked unworldly as they rode around the square, their hands proudly entwined. It was breathtaking.
I felt Finnick's fingers lightly brush mine before he took my hand in his. We made no eye contact, our eyes still fixed on Katniss and Peeta.
Rocky was right. Katniss was the girl. She had everyone in the square on their feet, cheering for a girl from an outline district.
And in that moment I knew Everything was going to change. Anything could happen.
Sorry if there's any typos. I've just uploaded this on my phone and it doesn't really like to behave. This chapter may seem a little pointless but there are a lot of little details in here that'll happen later on...
thanks for the reviews LBT, ShortySC22, Loveable Leo, brooke123456, Cometas Por El Cielo, and smileykat14
thankyou for readings, let me know what you think
PS sorry for my terrible French, I'm kind of rusty. Props to anyone who can make head or tail out of it :)
