"In the silence of love you will find the spark of life" ― Rumi

Estelle Duvont, 21

District 1

Victor of the 119th Hunger Games

The bitter taste of alcohol in her mouth, the overwhelming scent of perfume, the dim lights that made her squint and search to find people, all of it was familiar to Estelle. While many Careers spent most of their time training at an academy, Estelle spent plenty of time in places like this, following her parents around as she was introduced to a multitude of people trying to make an impression on her or her family. Even here, she recognized the same types of people struggling not to fade into anonymity.

Since her name literally meant star, Estelle was supposed to be destined for greatness. She was supposed to win the Hunger Games, supposed to follow in her parents' footsteps and dabble in politics, supposed to reach for the stars in all the ways she never wanted to.

But that's the thing about stars, isn't it? If you put too much pressure on them, they just fizzle out.

This particular club in District 4 was known for its elite status, since District 4 was a rather popular place for Capitolites to vacation. The people there were content, though not many could be quite as content as Estelle's best friend Bastian Allard, who was nursing a scotch next to her.

"You didn't figure anything out in Ten, did you?" Estelle knew all about the mission President Emerson had given him - or, she at least knew enough to attempt to work things out for herself. The music was loud enough that she didn't worry about discussing this topic here, since most people were probably too drunk to pay attention anyway.

At this point, everyone knew about Thea's loss. In fact, most of the Victors had been whispering about the situation considering it wasn't the only one. Thea was just unlucky enough to have gone through this not long after she won. Her Games were still just half a year ago and so Thea was still haunted by her own demons, ones that would never truly let her go.

Bastian shook his head, staring down at his drink. "Nothing of importance. No one saw anything, no one heard anything. She didn't even scream when it happened." He paused to look over at Estelle, his dark eyes full of a profound sadness. "Thea found her body in the morning."

A shudder ran down Estelle's spine, making her entire body tense up. For a split second, she was surrounded by the eels again, watching their bodies slide around each other as the water flickered, a single spark shooting up to sting her legs. She gripped her glass tighter, knowing it wasn't real but unable to fight off the memories anyway.

Why did being a Victor have to come with such weakness?

It didn't help that the sensation was reminiscent of how Estelle felt around Ariadne.

But she'd face the eels all over again if it meant being around Ariadne.

Estelle could feel Bastian's hand hovering above her shoulder, his attempt to ground her without scaring her even more. She hated her mind for daring to go there - right here? Right now? - but she knew that sometimes it just… happened.

"Have you seen her yet?" Estelle blurted out, her eyes scanning the people in the crowd once again, the forms dancing to the beat of the music thrumming around them. None of them stood out to Estelle, but maybe that's because they weren't who she was looking for.

Despite hearing Bastian's softly spoken "No," Estelle continued glancing around hopefully. If anyone was going to find her anyway, it would be Estelle.

There was an odd mix of Capitolites and regular citizens milling about, which made Estelle's brows furrow slightly. District 4 was known for having frequent visitors - from other Districts and the Capitol - but this just seemed to be some random party. Well, not a totally random one. The Allards, Bastian's family, were hosting it, and they had enough status to draw in pretty much anyone.

Several other Victors were there, but all Estelle could think about was Thea at that moment. She'd been so happy to win (they all were at one point), but now she'd completely cut off others. Estelle had been trying to reach out to her, since their winning years were so close together, but Thea didn't seem to want to talk to anyone, not that Estelle could blame her. She'd claimed a sickness of some sort as her reason for not showing up to this party, but grief was the only thing truly plaguing her.

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, Estelle turned and glanced at the far side of the room and instantly felt all the breath get sucked out of her lungs.

There she is.

Ariadne Valade of District 8, the one person that could completely throw Estelle off. The Victor from One felt her face flush already. Ariadne shot a smile at someone in the direction of Estelle, which just made her traitorous heart flutter at the idea of that smile being aimed at her again.

But she could still picture everything so clearly, the past always haunting her, never wanting to let go.

Estelle could feel the curve of her waist, the intoxicating scent of her threatening to sweep Estelle off her feet entirely. It felt dangerous for a reason Estelle couldn't quite place, but she didn't want to think about it much. She was drunk, yes, but only drunk on the feeling of the girl in front of her. She could get lost in her entirely, and even though they were both fully clothed, nothing felt as sinful as this moment.

The other girl's fingers were playing with the hem of Estelle's shirt, making her breath catch in her throat as she tried to stay grounded in the moment. Sensing Estelle's nerves, the girl moved her hands up to cup Estelle's face, moving so her lips were mere inches from Estelle's. Those inches were frighteningly close and yet too far for Estelle to be satisfied, her hands burying themselves in long red hair, the distance between them closing as-

"Estelle, you're staring," Bastian muttered in her ear, making her jump.

Her face reddening further, Estelle coughed and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear nervously. She turned her head quickly, looking up at Bastian. "Do you think she saw?"

Bastian chuckled and shrugged, watching the direction Estelle had been looking. "Do you want her to?"

"No," Estelle said quickly, though she wasn't sure if that was entirely true or not. Maybe she wouldn't mind… maybe she'd actually like it if Ariadne just noticed her again.

Because for all the disappearing Estelle was inclined to do, this time all she wanted was to be seen.

And just by this one person, this one girl who could undo Estelle solely by existing. It didn't seem fair, but Estelle was willing to let it happen again and again. No matter what happened, Estelle seemed to be just a few steps behind Ariadne. Just out of sight, just out of reach.

Her eyes lingered on Ariadne's red hair, wishing she could run her hands through it again. Though Estelle was too far away to see for herself, she could still picture Ariadne's dark eyes that had seemed to look right through her, understanding her in a way that Estelle had never been understood before. Her lips were quirked up into a small smirk, her eyebrow raised in a way that made her look mischievous and irresistible, especially in her green dress that perfectly accented her body, her-

God, I must sound like such a creep.

It didn't feel fair that Estelle was left thinking about Ariadne all the time and yet Ariadne hadn't seemed to give her a second glance since that night. Did it not mean anything at all? Was Estelle just supposed to give up, forget about her entirely?

Besides, would Estelle ever really be able to be happy with Ariadne? This felt like the kind of thing that her mom would kill her for. Mother was still hoping that she'd "settle down" with Bastian to carry on the family line or something, but unfortunately for her they were both gay disasters and therefore not the least bit interested in each other.

But… maybe it would be easier that way?

Things weren't easy though, and maybe that's why things ended up like this.

Estelle risked a glance over at Ariadne again, but her whole body tensed as she noticed a tall figure standing next to Ariadne, his typical frown darkening all of his features as he glowered at everyone in the room. Actually, Estelle was pretty sure she'd never seen Callan Levisay in a particularly good mood. Especially not around her, considering he hated her for some reason. She never figured that one out.

Besides, it still stung that right after that night, Ariadne had started publicly dating Callan.

It didn't make any sense; why would she do that? They'd had a moment, Estelle knew Ariadne had felt it too (she practically said as much) and that's why it didn't make any sense. Maybe that's why Estelle couldn't forget about it.

The railing of the balcony dug into her back, but Estelle didn't mind the pressure as Ariadne's lips met her own, letting out a soft gasp as her brain tried to catch up with what was happening. It wasn't long before she worked up the courage to respond in kind, her hand trailing down Ariadne's spine to draw her closer.

In that moment, all Estelle could think of was how lucky she was.

Maybe she was crazy, but Estelle knew she felt a spark. It was a tangible thing between them, something Estelle had never felt before and she could only hope Ariadne felt the same way.

Ariadne broke away, gasping softly as her warm hazel eyes stared directly into Estelle's soul, making her feel open and vulnerable and yet completely safe at the same time. She stroked Estelle's cheek with her thumb, Estelle instinctively leaning her face into Ariadne's hand.

"You know, I wouldn't mind staying here forever," Ariadne whispered, her voice hoarse as she leaned her forehead against Estelle's as if a sudden bout of weakness had overcome her.

Running her hands along the other girl's arms slowly, Estelle couldn't help a small smile. "I know I wouldn't mind it either."

"Go talk to her," Bastian said quietly.

Estelle jumped at the intrusion, though she wasn't surprised he knew exactly where her mind had gone again. She always seemed to end up back in the same place, retracing the same old path. "I can't."

"You need closure, and this isn't a mystery I can solve for you," Bastian insisted, taking a step away from the bar area. "Go talk to her."

"I can't if Callan is there," Estelle hissed quietly. "You know he can't stand me and since they're dating he won't even let me get close to her."

Bastian paused and blinked, looking over at the pair. "Right, then I'll take care of that for you."

Her eyes widened and she shook her head. "You'll… separate them somehow? Come on, Bastian, we can just hang out here together. It's okay."

There it was again, that desire to run far, far away from anything that could hurt her. But she had to admit… she did want the chance to talk to Ariadne again.

Laughing to himself, Bastian reached out and ruffled her hair, ignoring her protest. "You know you're like a sister to me, Estelle. Let me take care of this for you. Just stay calm and don't overthink things."

Without waiting for a reply, Bastian made his way through the sea of people that seemed to part for him with all the practiced ease of someone calm and confident and in control. Estelle had to admire him for that; he never seemed too bothered by anything that happened around him, which didn't seem fair as Estelle could get freaked out by anything.

Estelle quickly turned back to face the bar, her drink still gripped tightly in her hand. With a sigh, she finished off the last of it. If Bastian was going to give her an opening, she would take it.

By the time she started making her way over to Ariadne, Callan was gone from the area, which hopefully meant Bastian would keep him away for a bit. Estelle wasn't sure where they went, but she didn't exactly want Callan to come back and interrupt her and Ariadne.

"Estelle, is that you?" a familiar voice called, making Estelle's spine tingle at the sound.

A pair of arms was suddenly around her, making Estelle relax slightly, immediately recognizing the feel of her. She slowly moved her arms around the girl as well, part of her trying to adjust to the fact that this was real, that Ariadne was a tangible presence in front of her again.

"How are you?" Ariadne asked, her voice a touch brighter than normal. "When was the last time we even saw each other?"

Estelle had to suppress a flinch at that, unable to help the hurt she felt at that comment.

Did she even remember?

Estelle leaned back and plastered a smile on her face before wondering if it was too wide and relaxing it slightly. Then she wondered if she was too close or maybe she should move her hands away or-

No, Bastian told her not to freak out and she wouldn't let it happen.

"We just keep running into each other here and there," Estelle said easily, knowing it surely wasn't a lie. They were Victors, after all. They crossed paths all the time, though their lines hardly ever seemed to intersect.

From where she was now, Estelle was able to better notice how the emerald green of Ariadne's dress made her seem to glow and how parts of her hair were pinned back with small shining diamonds and her lips were painted a dark red that just added to her overall intrigue.

Ariadne lightly gripped her hands, her touch like fire on Estelle's skin, setting all of her senses alight. "It's great to see you," she whispered, her voice sincere and earnest.

"It's really good to see you too," Estelle murmured, part of her secretly thinking about how going to this party in the first place was made completely worth it because she was able to be with Ariadne for just a moment.

The other girl's eyes flickered over her face before she grinned and led Estelle into the middle of the floor, the throngs of people closing in on either side of them. "Dance with me," Ariadne murmured in Estelle's ear.

Estelle wasn't able to resist Ariadne at the best of times, but especially not right now when she was giving Estelle a smile that was just for her.

I want to be able to make you smile like this again.

Sliding closer to loop her arms around Ariadne's neck, Estelle relished in the small laugh that Ariadne let escape, knowing that she's the one that caused it. She'd do anything to make Ariadne happy in the end.

But as they danced, Estelle felt like there was something deeper, something that was holding Ariadne back. She couldn't figure out what it was, but all of her movements seemed just a little too forced. Was this not what she wanted after all?

Or maybe Ariadne was just as scared as she was, too scared that maybe this was just the beginning of something that could destroy them both.

Even though she could feel people on all sides of her, the only one she had eyes for was Ariadne. She was all Estelle ever had eyes for, and this right here, their dancing together, was more than she could have asked for. There was something between them and Estelle could feel it.

From the way she could've sworn Ariadne kept glancing at her lips, Estelle was hopeful that she felt it too.

You felt it too, right? Have you been thinking about us the same way I've been thinking about you?

Estelle opened her mouth, unsure of what exactly would come out, when she felt a light tap on her shoulder and glanced up to see the one face she was hoping wouldn't interrupt them.

Callan gave her an almost pleasant smile before giving Ariadne a light peck on the forehead. "Sorry to bother you two, but I was hoping I could borrow Estelle for a minute."

Her good mood came crashing down from the high it had been on, her gaze lingering on Ariadne as she slowly pulled away. "I… I guess," she said softly.

He leaned down to whisper something to Ariadne, Estelle searching around the room for where Bastian had gone. She met his gaze several feet away where he leaned against a wall, giving her a small wince and a shrug. Sorry, he mouthed at her.

She knew better than to blame Bastian, though she still looked rather put out as she followed after Callan.

Callan sat down on a stool and expectantly raised an eyebrow at her, making Estelle sigh and settle onto the stool next to him. For a moment, neither of them said anything, making Estelle twitch with irritation. Why drag her away if he wasn't even going to do anything?

Estelle frowned at him. "What do you want from me? I know you don't like me."

Blinking in surprise at her forwardness, Callan raised an eyebrow at her. "Well, that wasn't the conversation I was planning on having right now, but if you want we can go ahead and cover that as well."

"I've never even done anything to you!" Estelle hissed, feeling herself getting all worked up. Cover that as well? What the hell was he even going on about?

"Darius Minden," Callan spat out, raising an eyebrow as Estelle's face whitened. "Remember him?"

Of course Estelle remembered him. There's no way she could forget him. No Victor ever forgot their last fight, even if all the physical scars were wiped away by the Capitol. Sometimes Estelle still felt the phantom pains from where he nearly tore out her insides, a persistent reminder that she knew would never really go away.

"Yes," she said softly, some of the defiance out of her now. "What about him?"

Callan's hand kept fidgeting with his glass as if he was nervous, his face drawn and closed off. "He should've won."

Recoiling as if she'd been slapped, Estelle gaped at him. "He… what?"

She hadn't noticed him approach, but suddenly Bastian was beside her, frowning at Callan. "Come on Callan, you can't say shit like that."

Callan seemed surprised at the intrusion as well, his shoulders tensing as he focused on Estelle. "He was the first kid I mentored that made it as far as he did, he was almost home and back with his family and he deserved to win."

Her nails were digging into the palm of her hands, hoping the pain would keep her from crying. "If he should've won, then he would be here instead of me. You can't be mad at me because I did something he couldn't."

Bastian kept glancing between the two of them, running his hand through his hair out of agitation. "Callan, don't do this right now-"

"I can," he insisted, pressing on relentlessly as he looked at Estelle. "I have no issues resenting you for this even though I know it's not like it'll bring him back."

"Fine!" Estelle felt tears sting at her eyes, silently begging herself not to burst into tears now. "What did you even want from me, anyway?"

Lowering his voice, Callan leaned in closer to Estelle. "I need you to stay away from Ariadne."

"You… what?"

Sighing, Callan shot a glance up at Bastian before focusing back on Estelle. "I saw the way you were dancing, I know you must have some kind of feelings for her, and… well, it's not exactly good for our relationship or her image if people think there's something going on between you two."

Estelle nearly choked on the sob that was threatening to escape her throat. He knew? If he knew, did Ariadne know? Would he tell her? What did this mean for Estelle if Ariadne…

"Fine," she mumbled, ducking her head to avoid his gaze. "I'll- I'll stay away."

With a sigh, Callan shook his head and stood up, giving Estelle a look that appeared to hold something like regret before heading away. Estelle's head was spinning from it all, but she wasn't even sure what he had to regret. Hell, she barely even knew what had just happened.

Bastian slowly put an arm around her shoulders, knowing the night was done. "Come on, do you want to stay at my house?"

Nodding distractedly, Estelle couldn't help but glance over her shoulder, searching for the familiar red hair or the emerald dress or anything that told her Ariadne was still there. She just wanted one more glimpse, but it was too late.

She was already gone, leaving behind only the memories Estelle was clinging to.

Ariadne sighed and glanced up at the sky, the lights from the Capitol illuminating it even in the dead of night. Inside, the party was still continuing, but out here the music was just a dull thrumming in the background. It was too bright to see the stars here, which was part of the reason why she couldn't stand being in the Capitol, but…

Beside her was Estelle, whose delicately flushed cheeks made her glow as if she was a star herself, making Ariadne wish she could trace her freckles like they were constellations. Estelle was obviously easy to get flustered, which only made Ariadne want to do it more. Her smile was infectious as well, leaving Ariadne the happiest she'd been in a long while. She felt on top of the world, completely unstoppable, and-

Her face paled as she glanced inside and made eye contact with someone who raised an eyebrow at her knowingly. And just like that, her reverie had shattered, broken down to the dream it truly was.

This would never work.

"I have to go," Ariadne said quickly, barely hearing Estelle's response before hurrying back inside. She couldn't let this fall apart, not now, and dragging Estelle into it would only hurt her in the end. And Ariadne couldn't let that happen, no matter how much she wanted a repeat of tonight.

She would fix this, no matter the cost. She was never willing to pay the price, but she always did so regardless.

After all, nothing good can last.

So... hey everyone! Welcome to prologue two which looked more extensively at the lives of my key Victors. Things uh... probably don't fully make sense right now, which is fine! There's a lot of stuff going on behind the scenes and everything will be revealed in due time.

With prologue two out of the way, there's only one more prologue until we can get into "the real stuff!" Please don't forget that the submission date is January 15th! I'd love to have as many kids as I can by then, but I fully expect this to be more of a partial, since I only want to take kids I'm excited about writing. That being said, please submit! I'm terribly excited to get this show on the road!

Thanks to Goldie for helping me fix up this chapter and thanks to Linds and Phobie for looking it over for me! Y'all have been a great help as I've gotten things ready to post!

Feel free to leave your thoughts in a review or just message me on Discord if you're into that! The form is on my profile if you're planning on submitting, I look forward to hearing from you!

-de laney is out