Chapter Ten
"So Annie, tell us about your life." Aries says holding a notebook with questions Caesar frequently asks.
However, this is more to set up her angle.
"Well… well, I live in the fishing district of town with my parents, brother, and sister. My brother and Father go on multiple fishing trips so they aren't around much. My mother works at a bait shop in the south marina. A bait shop is-"
"I know what a bait shop is Annie." Aries says annoyed.
"Why don't we move on from family and talk about yourself." Finnick says.
"Like what? That I work at an ice cream shop or that I know how to make rope bracelets. My life isn't very exciting and I don't know what the Capitol citizens want to hear."
"They like gossip." Finnick says.
"Oh yes! Annie, do you have a boyfriend back home." Aries says.
Annie scoffs.
"No, what would that matter anyway?" Annie says slightly offended.
"Love stories are always good for gossip especially the scandalous ones." Aries says.
"Sorry I have no scandals in my life." Annie says
"I'm sure you have something." Aries says. "You should go see Aden, Finnick. After all you are meant to help the males."
"Fine, but it's obvious he is going for the brute angle." Finnick says and walks to the other side of the room.
"Can't I just say I'm going to win? I mean let's get real I have the best shot." Aden says.
"You can't sound too confident or you'll come across as an ass." Finnick says.
"Also other careers will probably take this approach and since 4 is last for the careers-" Zayden says but is cut off.
"They can all do it but I'll be the best looking."
"Oh god." Finnick mumbles to himself.
"Girls can love me too Odair." Aden says.
"I'm sure there are some out there." Finnick says.
"Lunch break!" Aries shouts. "Mentors let's have a little chat before lunch." Aries says and waves them over.
"So, let's talk Annie." Zayden says.
"She's too smart to work the ditzy angle and not pretty enough to act like a pageant girl. She's too ordinary." Aries says disappointed.
"Then we'll just have to make up a story then." Lena says with a sly smile.
"This story could affect her life if she wins." Finnick says.
"Don't worry about future problems. Besides, she's my tribute." Lena says.
"What does Mags think?" Finnick asks.
"That she should be herself. Also I think Mags is hoping the outfit will make her stand out."
"Makeup and an evening gown probably won't cut it." Finnick says.
"I know that, but we have already locked down some sponsors. So, she is already better off than some tributes." Lena says.
"I guess." Finnick says.
Aries squeals when he hears the elevator ding "The stylists are here for the fittings." Aries says excited.
"Oh how lovely. That is inspired." Aries saying going over the outfits they have made. "Annie should go with the soft pink but the sparkly one is nice too." Aries says.
The dress they chose for Annie is a mermaid style fit. The top half has spaghetti straps and a sweetheart neckline. It is covered with crystals while the bottom has cream colored tulle. They curled her brown hair tightly and put a small blue flower in her hair. They painted her nails a bright silver color and gave her tall cream colored heels. They left the makeup on her face more natural so people would recognize her in the arena.
Aden was given a nice pair of slacks a black shirt with a black jacket that has red trim. He has black shoes that are so shiny you could see your reflection in them. They put gel in his hair and he complained the whole time.
"Oh they shine up like new coins!" Aries squeals. "It's almost time to go down everyone get ready.
Annie starts to walk to the elevator but trips slightly and grabs Finnick's shoulder.
"First time in heels?" Finnick asks.
"Ones this high at least. Aries had me practicing, but I don't think it did me any good." Annie says as they head to the elevator.
"Nervous?" He asks because her hands are shaking slightly.
"I just keep thinking after this the only thing that is left is the arena." Annie says.
"This is true, but just focus on the interview tonight." Finnick says and she nods.
"I think this jacket is too small." Aden complains.
"It is tailored to fit you perfectly Aden. Just stop complaining for once." Aries says.
Finnick is surprised by this because Aries has never been so openly disgusted with a tribute before.
"Jeez calm down Aries." Aden says.
The elevator goes down and as soon as the doors open loud cheers and music can be heard.
"Come this way lovelies you need to get in line." Aries says and leads Aden and Annie towards the lineup.
Finnick looks towards the screens that show the program. Caesar has puce hair this year and is donning a shiny gold jacket, maroon vest, and white shirt.
"Not, his best color." Mags says to Finnick.
"The neon green that looked like mucus has by far been the worst." Finnick says. "So what did you come up with for Annie?" Finnick asks.
"To be herself, just like I told you." Mags says.
"I don't think she has enough confidence to do that though." Finnick says.
"Caesar has a way to show off tributes in a good light." Mags says.
"Do you like them this year?" Finnick asks her.
"I am sad to lose any of our tributes. Aden volunteered… but Annie... she's such a sweet girl." Mags says.
"I've noticed this and-" Finnick jumps when a hand claps his back.
"My boy Finnick." A drunken Haymitch says.
Finnick turns.
"I'm surprised your escort let you wander down here." Finnick says.
"She's retiring soon so I don't think she cares any longer." Haymitch says.
"She would be a fool to even try." Mags says.
"She knows what's up." Haymitch says and Finnick rolls his eyes.
"We should start paying attention I think it's about to start." Finnick says.
"I've got some time before my kids come on screen." Haymitch says.
"It might be helpful to watch others Haymitch." Mags says.
Haymitch snorts and saunters off.
"Mags, do you think he doesn't try hard enough?" Finnick asks.
"I think he does the best he can, but sometimes I think he could try a little harder." Mags says.
"It must be hard to do it all by yourself though." Finnick says.
"Yes, it is. I was once the only victor in 4. It is hard especially when you lose your tributes year after year like Haymitch does." Mags says.
Finnick nods. He doesn't know how he would react if he was the only mentor for 4.
"They're on." Mags says.
"Miss. Annie Cresta, look at you so sparkly in that get up. It goes well with my coat don't you think?" Caesar.
"Yes , they do go very well together. I'm sure if we were at a party no one could keep their eyes off of us." Annie says with a big fake smile.
"Well, I will have to agree with you Annie. So tell me, besides the wondrous clothes you have worn in the Capitol what else can you tell us about your experience so far?" He asks.
"It's a lot bigger and more dazzling than District 4 it's hard to believe a place like this exists in the same country. If I would win I would love to live here with all of you." Annie says and receives some cheers.
"I thought you were ditching the ditzy girl narrative." Finnick says to Lena.
"Aries said she wouldn't be able to pull it off not that it was ditched." Lena says.
"Well, that is certainly wonderful to hear but before you get too comfortable here let's talk about home. What do you think the people of District 4 are thinking of you. You got ten for your training score, one of the highest, and seem to wear the most fashionable items this year. Do you think people like you back home as much as they do here?" He asks.
"Good he mentioned her score again." Finnick says.
"I don't need to think about what the people at home think, I already know. The people in 4 didn't expect much of me before I came here, but now that I am here with one of the top training scores I know people are proud that I am the female tribute representing District 4 this year. Even if they don't I feel confident in myself that I can be the victor of the 70th Hunger Games." Annie says confidently.
"Where is this coming from she didn't act like this all day." Lena says.
"That is very good and I'm sure that everyone at home will be cheering your name if you make it back. They will never doubt you again." Caesar says.
"No, they won't nor should anyone else who is involved in this game. I will not be overlooked and you can be sure if you try to take me down I will take you down with me." Annie says and the buzzer rings signaling her time is up.
"Where the hell did that come from?" Lena says.
"Why are you asking us?" Finnick says confused.
"Here comes Aden." Zayden says walking over to the rest of them.
"Where have you been?" Finnick asks.
"Talking with 2, trying to find out more details, but they have tight lips." Zayden says.
"Don't they always." Finnick mutters to himself. He isn't fond of the mentors from 2. He doesn't really have a good reason why. When he was little he was always somewhat scared of them. Just because you win in a death game doesn't mean you can't get scared. Especially if you are a young boy.
"Some drink might help." Mags says and Finnick smiles.
"Doesn't really matter though, in hours these kids will be in the arena. If 2 was going to share any scerts it would probably be too late to help our tributes." Zayden says and looks to the television screens.
"So, any girls you fancy at home?" Caesar asks.
"I don't have time for girls. I want to keep my focus on the Hunger Games. I've wanted to be here since I was a young man. I figure I can have as many girls as I want once I win."
"Do you look up to your mentor Finnick Odair then, he too one at a young age." Caesar says.
Finnick laughs briefly. Aden would never look up to Finnick. Aden thinks Finnick is too soft hearted even though Finnick had the highest kill count in his games.
"No, I don't. He didn't volunteer or train the way I have. He may be the youngest victor ever, but he isn't the greatest." Aden says.
"And that is what you aim for, to be the best?" Caesar asks.
"Yes it is and once I win everyone will see that." Aden says and the buzzer goes off signaling his time is up.
When the interviews are over everyone else heads upstairs but Finnick heads to the real man of the hour; Caesar Flickerman.
"Thanks for the shout out Caesar." Finnick says and shakes his hand.
"My pleasure Finnick you are one of my favorites. It's a shame the boy doesn't think so." Caesar says and pushes his puce hair behind his ear. "Is there something you want?" He asks.
"You're the insider man, who's the highest bet so far." Finnick asks.
"That information will be posted later tonight for mentors." Caesar says.
"That's sometimes guess work and we both know they don't survey the whole population." Finnick says.
They usually only survey people who are either very rich or famous. The Capitol has many citizens and not all of them are famous or rich.
"The people from 2 are always high ranked." Caesar says carefully.
"I know that, give me something else."
Caesar squints at him.
"I can make it worth your while." Finnick says.
"Oh." Caesar says.
"Yes and you know it."
"Fine. The next time you come here you could procure something for me. Something I know you can get access to easily." Caesar says.
"What, do you want something fancy from District 4." Finnick asks.
"No, I'm hosting a party later in the year and I can get my hands on the finest drinks, food, and drugs. Except for one and that is because it is particularly hard to find."
Finnick knows what he is going to say before he asks it. He wants the drug 'red jewel' which is a highly addictive drug. High class drug dealers don't usually sell it because it is very dangerous to make and takes a long time. Another reason Finnick believes is because they don't want their clients hounding them so often. Finnick gets this stuff for Phoenix all the time, he visits a client who produces the stuff like crazy. Some of the peacekeepers back home sell it around too.
Red jewel is a psychotropic drug that induces hallucinatory flashbacks to pleasant past experiences. It's so strong you don't even realize where or when you are, you will just be in a state of mind. Of course once the high ends you feel terrible, but you want more because of the happy feeling you get. Finnick's done it before, but hated the terrible feeling afterwards too much to keep doing it. Sure, it was nice to trick his mind into being in the past before the Hunger Games but once the effects wore off it was just back to the present where it can be a living hell.
"How much do you want?" Finnick asks.
"A pound unless that is too difficult."
"No, not difficult." Finnick says. It will take Finnick about five visits with the client and if he is lucky the woman will just want to talk. "This stuff can be dangerous though Caesar." Finnick adds.
"I know, but there will be hundreds at this party who are dying to get their hands on it. Personally I don't like illegal drugs they mess with things that shouldn't be messed with. Now what did you want to know again?" He asks suddenly the cheerful man he appears to be on television.
"The names of the tributes who have the most bets to win and since this favor will require a decent amount of time, I want you to tell me what the arena is." Finnick says.
He knows Caesar knows as well as Claudius Templesmith. They get told the night before the games so they will have a better approach on how to narrate the games as they air.
"Fine, the girl from seven. She got a 9 and comes from a poor background. But this girl shouldn't be trifled with, for her training session she hit axes on targets and never missed. She will be a good killer." Caesar says.
"And the arena?" Finnick asks getting impatient.
"I have less information on that, but I can tell you that the arena will be of mountainous terrain and they mentioned earthquakes frequently." Caesar says so softly that Finnick can barely hear him.
"Earthquakes." Finnick says.
"I'd bet money that they will set up a rock slide at some point." Caesar says but Finnick had already deducted that himself.
"Thanks. President Snow will have me back in the Capitol in two months I will have your stuff by then." Finnick says.
"Excellent." Caesar says and claps him on the back. "See you tomorrow then." He says and walks off.
Finnick rolls his eyes and heads back upstairs.
"Where the hell were you?" Lena asks.
"Talking with Caesar Flickerman." He says casually. His eyes hover to Annie and Aden. He isn't allowed to tell them about the arena even though he wants to, but that would make their reaction less believable. Besides, he doesn't doubt that Aden would tell the whole career pack once they get in there.
"You two did excellent!" Aries says and shoves Finnick aside. "Annie, I was so surprised by your interview I almost believed you."
"Do you think the citizens believed her?" Lena asks.
"I'm sure they did." Aries says proudly. "Now you both did a good job, but you should head to bed early tonight because tomorrow is the BIG day." Aries says with glee.
"Actually we should talk to them one last time." Finnick says.
Aries nods and leaves the room.
"So do you guys have any final questions?" Finnick asks.
"Pssh no like I told Caesar I've been ready for a long time." Aden says.
"Annie?" Finnick asks.
"I'm fine. I just need to get this dress off." She says.
"I'd help you with that. After all if this is your last night… ouch. Hey let go of me." Aden shouts as Zayden drags him out.
Annie's face is red.
"Don't worry about a brute like Aden." Lena says.
"Did you guys want to tell me something?" Annie asks picking at her nails.
"Got an insider tip about the girl from seven." Finnick says.
"What about her?" Annie asks.
"Stay away from her, she's dangerous." Finnick says.
"I'm not going to be hunting down tributes Finnick." Annie says.
"No, but your team members will. She's good Annie she didn't mess a signal target in her training session." Finnick says.
"How do you know that?" Annie asks.
"People tell me thinks. I think it is because I have a trustworthy looking face." Finnick teases.
"Stay away from the people in 1 stay away from the girl in 7 shouldn't I just stay away from everyone." Annie says.
"Some people are more dangerous than others." Zayden says.
"If you know who's more dangerous you should just run away." Finnick says.
"But I'm in an alliance with people from 1 and 2." Annie says.
"Leave when you get the first chance. You could try and convince Aden to go with you, but I suspect that won't be the best for you." Finnick says.
"Just try and get some rest Annie. If you wake up early enough we can still talk strategy." Mags says gently.
Annie nods and slowly walks off.
"Who told you this information?" Zayden asks Finnick as soon as Annie is out of sight.
"I got it out of Caesar, he told me about the arena too." Finnick says.
"How the hell did you pull that off." Lena says.
"We don't need to know. What did he say?" Zayden asks. He doesn't want to hear the illegal things Finnick does even if it is for a good cause.
"That the arena will be of mountainous terrain and that the topic of earthquakes came up frequently. Caesar and I both think there will be rock slides at some point during the games.
"Makes sense." Mags says.
"In the morning we should look over the parachute booklet and keep in mind things that will be helpful in this environment." Zayden says.
"That doesn't always work though." Lena says.
"It's better than nothing besides, I'm sure we are not the only district that knows what the arena is. There are multiple people who would be willing to give away that information for the right price." Finnick says.
"You mean the careers?" Lena asks.
"You'd be surprised by how easy it is to get information out of these people. If you have the right knowledge you can always find the information." Finnick says.
"You think 7 knows then?" Lena asks.
"I don't know. I'm certain that the careers and possibly District 9 knows and there are rumors that 9 and 7 are working together." Finnick says.
"I'm sorry, why are you certain that District 9 would know what the arena is." Lena asks slightly disgusted.
"Blake." Zayden says.
"I'm... what… who?" Lena says confused.
"You really should know the other victors names by now or at least the popular ones." Finnick says.
"Sorry, I don't deal with lower district trash why is this Blake so important?" Lena asks annoyed.
"Think of him as a knock off version of Finnick. Blake isn't as popular but is smart enough to have have relationships with powerful people. As long as your willing to do some favors they will talk just like Finnick said." Zayden says.
"What kind of favors?" Lena asks.
"The kind I don't want to know about." Zayden says firmly.
Finnick rolls his eyes.
"Then why do they always die?" Lena asks.
"You can't change the skill of your tributes no matter how much information you gain." Finnick says.
"So how long do you expect Annie to stick with the career pack before she runs away." Lena asks.
"If she's smart she'll do it the first chance she gets." Finnick says.
"She won't be like you she isn't the type of person to kill people while they are sleeping." Zayden says.
"I know, but I'm sure she will find a way if she chooses to go that route." Finnick says.
"I honestly think she is too afraid to go off alone." Lena says.
"Do you think Aden will be the beta or alpha?" Zayden asks.
"Does it really matter? Once everything becomes too hostile they'll kill each other. Whoever doesn't strike first is the true idiot." Lena says.
"We should head to bed as well, we won't be any good to them if we are tired. Also, I'm sure they have updated the polls by now." Mags says quietly.
They all agree.
Before they can stand up Finnick swears he can hear the ruffling of tulle coming from the hallway. Annie overheard what they were saying and this information could either hurt her or help her.