Chapter 56

Louise lied to Abbi. Fiona's outfit did have a good deal of prep work. I always wondered what happens to the girls when they get ready. Now, I know. They have at least 10 different items for each body part. I wasn't in the room while Louise was working on her but I could see he brought out three makeup bags.

This year Louise has them dressed as mermaids. Blake and Fiona both have streaks of blues and greens in their hair. Nothing as extreme as my hair I had on the Victory Tour but, still interesting.

Blake is topless and Fiona is wearing the top of a bathing suit in the shape of shells. They both have shells in their hair. Fiona is wearing the same type of contacts that Sapphire wears so her eyes look like a dolls. They both have designs of waves all over their body they were sprayed down with something to make it look like they came out of the ocean.

"You look nice I." I tell her

"I feel ridiculous."

"That means they will love it." I joke

"I hope so. This is the first time they see me I need to make an impression. I don't want them to forget me."

Our father would tell us this every year the night before the games. Looks like she does remember some useful advice from training. I doubt she will need to worry about that. She has everyone's attention already. I wouldn't be surprised if she already has sponsors.

"Don't worry I don't think you will be forgotten."

"Because my last name is Odair?" she jokes

"Exactly, remember they are shallow here so really ham up your act."

"What the hell does that mean?"

"Over the top, make sure to make eye contact and wave and smile."

"If they won't forget me. Why can't I just stand there?"

She has a point, they definitely won't forget her but, it won't hurt to put on an act for the cameras.

"It won't hurt."

She rolls her eyes "I'm doing this just because I know it will save my life."

"That is what all of this is for."

Tributes to your chariots a voice says.

"Good luck."

"I don't need luck, your last name is enough." She teases.

The chariots leave and Mags comes over to me. I haven't spoken to her since she got here. I've been too busy with Fiona.

"Are you alright Finnick?"

"I'd be lying if I said yes. Fiona said all of the other victors saw her before she left. Why did they do that?"

"They knew you wouldn't tell her the truth about how much at a disadvantage she might be at. Did you figure that out already?"

"Yes, I figured it out. People think she is a skilled killer but, she couldn't hit the side of my house with a knife, unless she was 10 feet away from it."

Mags looks sad.

"I think she could still win."

"I can't say think I have to say know. If I even think she might not come back I…"

I don't know how to finish. I would definitely be sad but, that is expected. My sister would be dead. I just know something bad will happen.

"Then I know Fiona will win." She smiles but I can tell she doesn't sound 100%.

I can tell when the 4 chariot comes into view because I can hear all of them chanting her name. If this was any other tribute I would feel happy but, with Fiona I know too much attention is a bad thing.

The chariots arrive back and Fiona jumps off instantly.

"Could you hear them?"

"Yes"

"You don't sound happy about that." She says worriedly.

"It's nothing."

"Finnick, this is no time for secrets. I need you to tell me the truth. Don't think of me as your sister but, as another tribute."

"That's the problem. If you were just another tribute I would be glad they got that much attention. With you it's different and not because you are my sister. You are going to get overexposed; I have a feeling in your interview with Caesar you will just talk about me."

"So it's like I'm not even here. They just want to see you in the arena again."

"That's probably the best way to put it."

"I hate them already."

"The citizens or the other tributes?"

"All, both. Does it matter? I just hate everything right now."

"You don't hate me." I smile

She looks as if she might cry when I say this but, she holds in the tears.

"Let's head upstairs." Mags suggests.

When we get to the elevator Gloss is there with the male tribute from one. He looks her up and down

"Fiona Odair. You and I should meet up later and talk."

When he says this I can tell he doesn't just want to talk with her. He has other things in mind.

"You aren't allowed to talk with tributes from other Districts unless you are in the training center." Gloss says.

"Whatever. I will definitely be seeking you out tomorrow." The boy winks and Gloss practically shoves him in the elevator. I see him nod at me. As if saying sorry he is an idiot.

"Yuck." Fiona says

"Not your type?" I tease

"Not really. He reminds me of some of the guys back home."

I realize I have never asked Fiona about her love life. She never asked about mine until I told her I was being abused. She wanted to know if I have ever kissed someone and she felt bad when I said no.

"Is there a special someone back home?"

"Maybe." She blushes.

"What's his name?"

"Please Finnick, there are more important things for you to be worrying about than my love life."

"I'm just curious; you never mentioned anyone before."

"I don't want to talk about this stuff with my brother. It's weird."

"Why is it weird?"

"I'm afraid you would scare him away." She teases

"Wait is that why you were dressing differently."

"What do you mean?"

"Come on, you wore more dresses and spent more time on your hair."

The elevator dings and we walk into the living area.

"Aren't you observant." She laughs

"I'm right just tell me who is the lucky person who has captured my sisters heart."

She rolls her eyes "Fine, it's Adam Kruz."

Adam Kruz. I know who he is. He was in my class. I didn't know him well but, he was always nice and helpful. He works at his parent's shop which sells the baked goods. Fiona could have chosen someone worse but, I guess you don't really pick the people you fall in love with.

"Oh Adam, you could do worse." I tease

For a moment it feels like we are back home. That illusion is shattered when Mags says from the kitchen we should talk to them about the training center.

We go and sit at the table.

"What are we supposed to do?" Fiona asks

"Show them your skills." Mags says

"That should be easy for both of us then. Right Fiona?" Blake says.

She nods but looks at me. We both know she doesn't have much to show.

"Make sure to go to the survival stations."

I say this only looking at Fiona. I don't care what Blake does. He is going to die when she wins. Why bother to make an effort?

Before I can give them any more advice an Avox comes in to hand me my card to visit a client.

I take it she nods and heads back to stand next to the elevator.

"What is that a love letter?" Fiona teases.

"No, I have to go."

All of the blood has brained out of her face. She knows where I am going.

"What do you mean?" Blake says annoyed

"It has to do with sponsor stuff."

"Cool I bet we have a decent amount with Fiona and all."

"You have different accounts for the sponsor money." Am I allowed to tell them that? It doesn't matter now.

I get up to leave.

"I'll walk you out Finnick." Fiona says.

We head to the elevator.

"Why are you going? I'm already in trouble."

"If I don't go you will die in the arena guaranteed."

She looks like she wants to cry. It is one thing hearing about this but, I'm sure it is different seeing it happen in person.

"I'll be back in few hours. If you're still awake we can talk." I kiss her cheek and head into the elevator.

I don't want to go. It's different with the other tributes. I actually don't care about them when I leave. But the more time I'm away from her, the more she doesn't get to know and learn. It also means I get to spend less time with her before she goes into the arena. I know she will win but, she will probably be different after she comes out. The games change you and it is never for the best.