"Nice to meet you Haymitch." I said holding out my hand.
He looked down at it and declined. "No offense sweetheart, but you need to wash up."
I looked at my hand. Dried blood was coating my nails and palm. I laughed. "Ya, probably."
He looked to be about 40 years old, with steel gray eyes and a sad-tired expression. Even when he smiled the sorrow was evident.
"May I ask you something?" I said everting my eyes.
"Shoot."
"Who are you?" The elevator doors dinged as we traveled up.
He chuckled. "Ever watch the games doll?"
He did look familiar. "Not really no. I spent most of that time in my garden. I'm not one for all the blood shed."
"You and the rest of us." He chuckled. "I'm 12's mentor."
"Oh." I said. Well this is awkward. In about three days I'll be in an arena with the tributes he's mentoring to kill me.
"Don't worry sweetheart. I'm not plotting your death."
I changed the subject. This elevator couldn't move any slower. Although I did enjoy his company. "My nose is killing me."
He reached in his pocket. "Here." He handed me a silver flask.
"I-I've never drank before." I grabbed the flask and held it away from me.
He chuckled. "First for everything."
I hesitated for a few seconds looking from him to the flask. I started unscrewing the lid. "Another item off my bucket list." And with that I took a big swig.
It burned my throat all the way to my stomach. But I liked it. I raised my eyebrows in surprise. It wasn't bad.
He put his hand out. "Welp, it's been real. See ya' later Sweetheart." I handed him the flask as the elevator doors opened for my floor.
"Maybe." I said stepping out.
He chuckled shaking his head.
I turned around real fast. "Oh wait I almost forgot!" I held his handkerchief out
He smirked. "You keep it."
I shook my head. "Ya I don't blame you. Well see you 'later'."
"Brizo?" Finnick Said from the door way of the kitchen.
"Haymitch?"
I turned around."Hello Finnick."
He looked down at my neck and chest."what happened?!"
Haymitch laughed."your girl fell." The doors started closing.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
After taking a shower and cleaning my brothers necklace, I went to go find Finnick. He was sitting in the living room watching Capitol talk shows.
"Hey."
"Hello."
"Can you tell me what happened?" He said looking over as I sat down.
"I lost concentration and the net at the climbing station dumped me."
He smiled slightly sighing. "What made you 'lose concentration'?"
I looked down. "Um... th-the boy from two is giving me lots of unwanted stares."
"Oh. Like good stares or bad stares?" He said using different tones for both.
"What do you think?"
"Well you did decline his offer to join the careers. He probably feels that you find yourself higher than him." He shrugged.
I sighed. "Of course." I rubbed my temples. "It's about the exact opposite but whatever."
He chuckled. "Just ignore him I guess."
"Ya, I just gonna ignore the 6'3" giant walking around starring at me." I rolled my eyes.
He looked suprised. "Sarcasm? Dang, that fall did a number on you."
I just shook my head laughing. "Seriously though, it's only the first day and I already have a stalker and embarrassed myself."
"Really just don't worry about it, ignore him." He looked at the tv. "Your reactions are probably encouraging him."
I sighed. "Ya I know... what's his name anyway."
He chuckled."That would be Titus. District two's giant."
Titus. Interesting name. I guess.
Tired of talking about it, I changed the subject. "So what are our plans for this afternoon?"
"Well Castor will be back in a couple minutes, so after I check in with him we'll have some well needed fun." Finnick Said.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Finnick and Castor talked for a few minutes. I overheard very little bit what I did catch was very useful.
"Ivy-ya two."
"She's good with a bow."
"What did they say about Bri-"
"-Geo doesn't like her." A laugh. "But Titus has an interest."
"That's an odd name. Gem?"
"District one."
"The pack is strong this year. Be careful."
"They are the ones that should be cautious." Obviously Castor spat.
A chill ran through me. The amount of venom in his voice was toxic.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Castor walked through the living room, towards his room. On his way he looked over his shoulder and smirked. Probably because of my fall.
"Brizo!" Finnick cheered.
"Yes, Finnikin."
"I ordered the most delicious delicacy... well to the districts anyway."
I was suddenly excited. "Which is?"
"ICE CREAM."
I laughed at his excitement. "Ice cream?"
"Yes, the greatest gift bestowed upon this Earth." He sighed in content. I just stared at him.
"Trust me."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
A cart pushed by an avox came into the room. It held little silver bowls and spoons. I'm guessing the ice cream.
"Finally." Finnick sighed. He was practically jumping.
"Okay Brizzy, vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry creme."
I didn't have the slightest clue of which to choose but I decided on vanilla. He'll most likely make me try all of them anyway.
"Vanilla, please."
"Great choice, you can never go wrong with classic vanilla." Finnick smiles. I just laughed.
He grabbed the same and sat back down on the couch next to me. "On the count of three. One, two, three."
We both took a bite of the white creme.
Love.
Instant addiction.
Never have I ever eaten something so sweet and satisfying.
"Oh my..." I was in awe. Finnick just laughed.
"I told you."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
After we tried... and devoured all three flavors, we decided to lounge around and talk about strategies.
"I really think it's in your best interest to join the careers." Finnick said.
I sighed. "That maybe right Finnick, but I would never associate myself with them."
I looked down. "Besides, I already have my ally."
"Oh ya, Kostos." He waggled his eyebrows. "Speaking of, was he the one that gave you that tank top?"
I felt myself blush. "Yes, he gave me his shirt. S-so I could cover myself. You know, with Titus and the staring."
"Awe." He cooed."
I just laughed.
"He asked me to meet him on the roof tonight..."
Finnick moves his arm to the top of the couch, resting his head on his fist and turning his body towards me. "Make sure you tell me what happens tonight. I'll wait up for you, just don't be to long." He said suggestively. Just the thought of doing anything like that with Kostos was embarrassing. I don't even know why.
"I will. Oh, and just so you know, he didn't make any moves of the such today... so why would he then."
He chuckled. "I'm just teasing."
Kostos was so fun to hang out with. Even though we are in a horrible situation, he some how made it ten times better.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"I have one more plan for tonight. Before you go see Kostos."
"Which would be?"
"You and I are going to jump on the beds!"
I laughed. Finnick was the only friend I've ever really had, and I've only known him for a week. It amazes me how fast a relationship can be created.
"Can't wait!"
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
We ran towards 'our/his' room and flopped on the bed.
He stood up and put his hand out to me.
"Stand up, then we can jump."
I gripped his hand and stood. He instantly started to bounce. The mattress was springy and soft at the same time.
We bounced, laughed, and fell. Over and over. Well, atleast till I needed a break. I was actually sweating.
I fell down laughing. "That-was-so fun." Panting.
He laughed and nodded his head.
I looked over at the alarm clock on the end table. Almost 9:00.
"I gotta get going Finnikin. I'll see you in about an hour or so."
I kissed his cheek and walked towards the door. He waved and smiled.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The elevator ride to the roof was awful. My hands were sweating and my heart bumping. I was definitely crushing on Kostos but I still didn't quite know where he stood. I trusted him despite the thoughts that he might be doing this all for the games.
I pushed my thoughts beside and decided to think about what I would say to him.
'Hey Kostos!'
Hello Kostos.'
I silently cursed myself. Today we didn't even talk about the kiss...I mean he could have just done it because he felt grateful? I shook my head. I don't even know.
The doors dinged and opened. I stepped out after taking a breath and walked over to the ledge. The city was asleep, well except for those clubbing, partying, and other things...
"I'm glad you remembered, I was kinda worried you weren't going to come." A smooth voice said behind me. Kostos.
I turned around with a huge smile on my face. "Hello, Kostos."
He walked closer to me. "How's your nose? I was told that it was against the rules for me to come up and see you."
I freaked out internally. 'He was worried about me.'I was sure blush dusted my cheeks. "It doesn't hurt anymore, thanks for asking though."
He grinned. "And by the way you can keep the shirt for tomorrow as well."
I completely forgot about his shirt. "Oh, I should have given that back to you."
He laughed shaking his head. Kostos grabbed my hand leading me to a small bench by a beautiful garden.
"May I ask you something?" Kostos Said shyly.
'That's different.' Kostos was never cocky but he sure wasn't shy. "Of course."
"When I kissed you last night... was that okay?"
I was probably red as a rose. "I-I- um ya it w-was fine."
He chuckled.
"What?" I asked.
"It's cute when you get all flustered."
I laughed with him.
"So May I ask something else?"
"Of course." I answered barely above a whisper.
"Can I kiss you again."
"Yes."
He put his hand on my cheek. Giving a sweet smile. Kostos leaned and placed his lips on mine. At first I didn't move, not mowing what to do. But after a few seconds a kissed back. It wasn't a long kiss, but it still meant something.
I heart fluttered and it hasn't stop. Not since the parade. I liked kissing him, I liked talking to him, I liked him. This is going to end badly for one of us.
After we pulled away we both smiled wide. He led me over to the garden and sat down on his knees. He reached out and grabbed a small blue flower. He stood up and brought it to my head. Tucking it behind my ear.
It was beautiful. The same striking color of his eyes.
"Thank you." I looked up at him.
"Brizo, I just-."
"What?"
"Nevermind." He smiled.
I didn't press him further, allow he did seem to have something on his mind.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
We sat and talked till late into the night. We held hands for most of it. Which kept a rose dust on my cheeks. After awhile I got tired.
Yawning I sat up from our laying position. We were star gazing.
"I have to get back." I sighed.
"Seems wise."
I chuckled at his weird comments.
I kissed him on the cheek and ran to the elevator.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
When I got back to our floor Finnick was asleep. I changed my clothes and slipped into bed. Before I turned off the lamp I noticed a note on the side table.
Brizzy,
I hope your evening on the roof went well. But not TO well.
Love, Finnick
I chuckled at his note and turned off the lamp.
My dreams were filled images of Kostos... and ice cream.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sorry I took so long to update guys! I didn't know how to finish the chapter so I decided on some fluff.
In my opinion they are both totally ship worthy;)
Hope you enjoyed! As always ~peace~
