Day 3

I stared at myself in the mirror, my hands laced in front of me, my hair curled hair tied up to the side, the curls traveling down one shoulder. On closer examination, you could see the dark shadows under my eyes that was never there before. But at a distance, you could hardly tell. My dress was white and traveled to my knees and strapless, it was extremely clingy, clingy in a good way. It showed every curve I had in a good way. This would have to do. It was only a meal, knowing me I'll probably drop some food on this dress, ruining it forever. I walked out to the living room, finding Zhane there as I always did. He was leaning against the wall now, apparently bored of looking through my sketches. I stared at him a while, his posture was still strong, his eyes staring out of the window in front of him. He concentrated on one area outside, squinted, then shook his head slightly. That was when he noticed me, there was disinterest in his eyes, his mouth hardening into a thin line, before standing up straight and going towards the door without a word. I've been meaning to talk to him, but what do I say? Do I apologize, do I stand my ground? It was all very confusing.

We walk the normal route, down the twisting halls. I had never really looked at the decor before, there was at least one picture to every wall. But the art was strange, dark. Something far more sinister than what i could create. We finally reached the elevator and waited a few seconds for it to arrive. I take a peek at him in the mirror of the elevator, he's staring straight ahead, his face neutral. We come out on a floor I haven't been too, the hall way was darkly light, a light flickered at the end. "Where are we?" I asked, not sure if he would answer.

"The meal's been moved to a place no one would think of." He answered dryly.

He walks down the hall so fast I have to almost run to keep up. We turn a corner and there are two guards wearing hard faces. We come closer and Zhane give them a sharp nod before they open these huge brass doors that looked extremely heavy, but they didn't give it away if they was. Inside is one of the largest tables I have ever seen. Sat about the table are people I have never met, people with whiskers, pointed ears, bright blue teeth and clothes that was uncomfortable to look at never mind wear. There on the end was the section of people I did know, two seats was available for Zhane and I, I guessed. I sat down, and noticed that I was sitting next to Willow. Her make-up was done is such a way that it completely changed her face. She glanced in my direction scowled and looked away, leaning over to Flux on her left. I leaned back into my chair, trying to keep my face neutral the way Zhane does. The table was decorated beautifully, with enough food to feed everyone in Panem I would have guessed. I tilted my head at one of the statues in front of me. It was black and large, double the height of me, with all sharp angles jutting out here and there. It hurt to look at, reminding me of pain. But I longed to draw it, my sketch book was in the bag I had brought, I wondered if anyone would mind if I got it out.

A sharp tang echoed through the room. I didn't even noticed the room was beautiful also, with floor length windows, reveling the Capitol outside at its best. People hurried along below us, busy in their daily routine.

"Excuse me," Said a voice at the end of the table. I looked up and saw the face everyone in Panem knew as well as they did my parents. President Paylor. She smiled at us all, her face crinkling with age. Her dark eyes set on me. "I'm so glad you could all make it."

I held her stare. It wasn't a fierce stare, but more friendly, she looked at me like I was a long lost friend. I smiled at her. My mother would talk of her fondly, but I didn't really know much about the president, only the same amount that everyone else did. Everyone sat down and began eating. I did as well. The food was beautiful, all different flavors and textures that I enjoyed, I found myself wanting more and more every time I had a bite. My plate never seemed to empty, it was constantly full no matter how much I ate. People talked very little, and drank a lot. But I wanted my wits around me, after everything that's happened drinking too much didn't seem like a good idea.

Zhane picked at his food. His face somber. I glanced around and everyone was talking between themselves, no one was paying attention to us. I took the opportunity, i needed to talk to him. "Are you still angry at me?" I asked, breaking the silence between us.

He didn't look at me, but eats the food in his mouth before answering. I swear he took longer to chew than usual. "Why would you think that?"

"You know why." I answered, and looked away from him. I'd rather have Willow scowl at me than look at Zhane. At least she showed some emotion, even if it was hatred.

After a moment, he stands up and moves to another room which i didn't even notice. Sighing, i lean back in my seat. Suddenly, everything slows. I glances around at everyone. Cinnick was sat opposite with Gina, who's eyes was fixated on him, as if he held the world in his eyes. But, he held little interest in hers, and would even give a little flirtatious look to the girl at the end of the table. Flux was talking to Willow, his hand was resting on the table and i noticed she kept glancing down at it, like she was waiting for him to move and take hold of hers. As i scanned everyone slow faces one thing became clear. I didn't belong here. This life of luxury wasn't for me. I caught eyes with President Paylor. She was openly looking at me, she didn't even look away when i caught her eye. She squinted slightly, as if i was blurry. It was a long while before i looked away. Her stare held me, it was like she was searching for something from me. When i looked back, she was talking to one of her guards.

After everyone finishes eating, we are moved into the room Zhane disappeared into. I see him standing by a wall scanning us all as we entered.

There was music playing, and white seats lined the black wall. I moved to the nearest corner and sat down. Willow was standing in the middle of the room, staring at me. She didn't try and hide the scowl on her face. Her friends danced around her, in time to the music, but she just continued to stare at me.

Drinks was handed around, and soon enough everyone became a little more lively that usual. Cinnick was dancing with Gina. I hated what he was doing, why lead her on when he wasn't even interested? I wish i could warn her to stay away, but i knew, from the look of how attracted she was to him, that she would never listen.

President Paylor came over and sat next to me, she handed me a glass full of red bubbling liquid. I took a sip, it tasted like strawberries. "So, Rose." She started. "Tell me, how are you parents." It was a question i have been asked so many times. No one ever wanted to know how i was, not really.

"Just fine, last time i checked." I answered truthfully. We didn't speak for a while, then she touched my arm. "I would like to talk to you before you leave The Capitol. Come and see me when you find the time." Then she stood up and left. What an odd woman. She didn't explain why she wanted to talk to me, was it serious?

I long for solitued. What i would give to be in my own house, in my own room, drawing and drawing as the world passed by.

I notcied someone standing in front of me. Looking up i realised it was Willow. She didn't look amused. She frowned at me, "You think you're so special." She said. "You don't even have to try and President Paylor comes and speaks to you. Why would she want to speak to you?" I stare at her dumbfounded for moment.

"Excuse me?"

"Why would she want to speak to you?" She repeated.

I rolled my eyes. I noticed president Paylor watching the whole scene from the other side of the room. She didn't take her eyes off me, it was like she was studying me. It was quite creepy. "Willow, just go away."

But I knew she wouldn't leave. So instead I stood up to leave. Everything after that happened really quick. I saw her hand with a glass in come up at me, It was full of blue liquid, it would have ruined my white dress. But, the liquid didn't get anywhere near me. Instead it was diverted, all over her over pale pink dress. She wailed at the cold liquid touched her. I moved back and noticed the Zhane was standing beside me, his hand was on her arm. He must have gripped her and turned the glass on her. I smiled at him, maybe he wasn't mad at me at all, but he wasn't looking at me, he was looking at President Paylor. She was now stood up just behind Willow, her face was expressionless, like usual. A bit of Willows black make-up began running down her face. She looked up at Zhane. "How dare you!"

President Paylor tapped Willow on the shoulder, and Willow turned to face her. The scowl on her face soon changed to shock. "What is your name?" Paylor asked her.
"W-w-Willow." She stammered.

"Hmm…" Paylor sighed. "Please follow me to my office, immediately." Then President Paylor disappeared through the doors that we came. Two men in the same gear has Zhane followed. Willow pulled her arm free from Zhane and whipped her face. She followed everyone as they left, her boyd shivering from the wet. What a mess, its so pitiful watching someone you used to be afraid off become a hot mess.

Zhane turned to look at me, finally. "Are you alright?"

I nodded and took a sip of my own drink, my throat felt dry. "Zhane, i just want to apologize about yesterday. Than-"

I was about the thank him when someone pulled me away. I looked and saw Flux's hand in mine, he pulled me over to the other side of the room, it was a little darker here and the music less loud. "Are you ok? I saw what Willow tried to do." I nodded to his question."That guard of yours comes in handy."

I looked towards where I just stood, but Zhane was gone. Probably blending in, not having fun, waiting for Willow to storm back in and try and tip another drink on me.

I laughed, "Yeah, he does." I paused and pushed some hair behind my ear. "I'm fine, just wish she would back off. I don't know what her problem is."

He leans against the wall. "She doesn't like that you will always be more popular than her."

I frown, this was news to me. "What, she makes sure I have no friends in school."

He shakes his head, "That means nothing. You are known all over Panem, Rose, everyone knows the children of the Mocking Jay. No one knows Willow."

I stare at him. It makes sense, why she hates me so much. She doesn't realise how miserable she makes me, how much she affects me. I lean against the wall as well, suddenly I feel quite numb.

For the rest of the night, I talk to little people and I don't see Zhane again until it is way past 12PM and time to go back to our room. Except, when I see him, he is in no state to walk. He was sat on the chair, at least 7 empty glasses around him. His head was on his arms, his eyes closed. I sit next to him and try shaking him awake. I look around, but the only other people here are the ones who had to much drink themselves and are also asleep on the chairs. He doesn't budge. I move closer "Zhane, wake up." I shout at him because of the music. He moans but doesn't open his eyes. This close up I can see a small collection of freckles on his cheek.

"ZHANE!" I shout louder. This time, he does open his eyes. Slowly, his gaze fixes on me. He makes an undistinguished noise, then sits up suddenly, his palms lay flat on the table, steadying himself.

"Someone… someone…" He started then faltered and shook his head.

"We have to go Zhane, before someone sees you this way." I'm pretty sure that they wouldn't appreciate a guard that got drunk when he was on duty. I couldn't let him loose his job. He nods and stands up, but put almost his whole wait on me. He was heavy, and i stuggled to keep all of my balance. Luckily there wasn't many people left, and definitely no guards.

I walk him to the door and peep into the corridor that leads to the elevator. The was a few guards lining the walls, checking for any problems. "Zhane, you have to stand up straight, you have to act sober." I say into his ear.

He doesn't do anything, he just slumps forwards, the top of his head resting on my belly "Zhane, please, just until we get in the elevator."

After a while, he stands up and looks at me, his eyes taking a long time to focus. Finally, he stands straighter, but keeps his head to the ground. Then he bursts through the doors and into the corridor. Everyone looks in our direction. He made such a huge noise, the doors slam into the walls, but he doesn't stop, he just walks down the corridor, past the guards that stare after him, and is by the elevator by the time I'm half way down. He pushes the button and stands still, not wavering.

By the time I catch up, the elevator is 10 floors away. I could feel the eyes burning into my back. "Is everything ok Zhane?" One of the guards ask
I notcied Zhane take in a deep breath, "Just fine." He answers a little shaky. I turned to lean on the wall, but i really want to look at the guards. The one that spoke, shrugs and walks towards the room, going to take Zhanes position i expect. Finally the elevator arrives, we step in and finally the door closes. He sags into the mirrored wall.

"I'm.. sorry." He manages to say. I sigh.

We finally get back to the room, after a long slow walk down the corridor to my room. I shut the door and help him sit down on the sofa. The room looks pretty normal, the way we left it. Hopefully they would have leave us alone tonight. He sags into the sofa, his body limp. He looks uncomfortable in his gear. I take off his boots and put them under the coffee table. Then, I begin undoing the buttons of his heavy jacket. I don't have a clue what it is called. He sat up enough for me to take it off. Underneath he wore a thin white t-shirt. "Rose." He whispered and took hold of my wrist. "I was drugged." He said and fell back into the sofa.

Drugged? How could have he been drugged? He tried to focus his eyes on me, but it was no good. Finally they closed and sleep took him. I stood up and dropped his jacket on the floor. What was happening? Why was all this happening to me!? Was Cinnick experiencing any of this?

There was a loud thud. I span round and faced the door to my room. The sound of something smashing came from behind.