A/N: Hi! I will try to post a new chapter every Wednesday and/or Friday... Please review. I would love to hear your feedback!
Chapter 3: You Were Brave
I am in the Capitol, gliding around on stiletto heels, in swishy dresses, showing off. Everything is a blur. Except for one thing. Caesar's interview.
I walked onto the stage. There were many exulted faces looking up at me. There were many disappointed faces, too. Caesar was looking at me. I looked away, getting into character. I had to be confident, smart, selfish, and alluring. That's what my escort, Dido Jaerendel, had said. I remembered it. She was wearing a red suit. He skirt was pleated and embroidered with little butterflies. Little butterflies. They didn't have a care in the world. They hadn't killed their friend without thought. Little butterflies. They gave me hope.
Caesar was saying something. "Clove, how did you feel when you killed Cato?"
I sneered, "It was awesome. Oh man, how he deserved it!" Lying hurts. Why did I do that? Why oh why did I do that?
Caesar looked like he was about to laugh and looked out to the audience. I followed his gaze and saw, in the huge screens, that I looked weak, fragile, small, on this big stage. My face was closed, shielded, my fists clenched. I set my jaw and lifted my chin. I would not have these people know what I felt. Weakness, guilt, and sadness swarmed through my brain. Tears welled up, but I blinked them back.
"Well, Clove, you were brave to win."
Brave to win.
Brave to win.
I was brave.
Brave.
"Thank you."
The buzzer went off. I stood up without a word and left.