Chapter 28: The Collector
Betrayed would not be the right feeling or the word to describe what Sera was feeling in that moment. Under the gaze of twenty-something tributes, she forced herself to smile while President Snow's words repeated in her head like a broken record. She couldn't hear anything, not even the blood rushing to her head, the flutter of wings from the butterflies from the darkened greenhouse that the dining hall overlooked or the clutter of cutlery.
Across the table, she caught the eye of Finnick who looked like he was going to do something reckless. Silently, she had to beg him to calm down just like how she was forcing her restless heart to calm down. But she was anything but calm.
Next to her, Scarus filled up her glass with a clear nectar and passed it to her. It was like he was trying to calm her down. She didn't want his comfort. She wanted for all of this to end.
At the head of the table, President Snow stared down at her with a calculating look. On his right was Minister Thistlewood who looked more than pleased by the President's new announcement. On his left was Plutarch and the new Head Gamemaker, Decima Dolittle. Plutarch's eyes conveyed his sympathy towards Sera's plight, sympathy she didn't want but she needed.
"So there's no objections to your additional role." President Snow clasped his hands together and stared down at her.
Cashmere forced herself to smile at the mention of her name. "Welcome." She said with a false cheeriness that almost made the girl's face ache with the way she was smiling.
Forcing herself to not shake, Sera picked up the glass of clear nectar drink and held it up to the President. "I would never turn down this honorable opportunity…the President has given me. I owe you and Panem a lot."
Perhaps it was a good thing not all victors were present. She didn't know what Estelle or Huxley would do in this situation. The pitiful gazes from them, she wouldn't be able to avoid. In a way, it was tragically comforting that only familiar faces were Augustus, Leora, Finnick, Wells, Gloss, Enobaria and Zephyr.
"More of you should aspire to be like Miss Reza here." President Snow said, not really meaning it.
There was a quiet crack heard like a glass had started to break and across the table, she noted Finnick's grip on his glass had tightened. She avoided his gaze and focused on her plate.
"And Mr Nikolas," Zephyr raised his head carefully. "I've heard that you made a prosthetic arm for Seraphine's brother."
"It was nothing really, she was my mentor and helped me to…su–win, it's the least I could do." Though he stumbled a little in his words, Zephyr managed to properly speak in the end. It was after all his first attendance at such an event.
"Even so. I have to say you did a commendable job."
"Thank you, Mr President."
"That being said, I'd like you to apply your abilities for the good of Panem. I'll call upon you later to discuss further details."
"I'll wait patiently."
Inside Sera was dying. She felt as if she was going to throw up then and there. She held it in, taking a sip of her drink to bring down her nausea. It was hard with the way Minister Thistlewood stared at her as if he was undressing her.
She was covered up the most with her high-neck full sleeve beaded jumpsuit yet she felt the most exposed.
"Ah, one more thing before I forget." Sera turned to the President but he wasn't looking at her, instead he was looking at Leora. "Since the tragic passing of Gladius we've fallen behind a little. Leora." The victor in question flinched when her name was called. "You'll be taking on the bulk of his work—I expect the best from you."
Leora only nodded in response. She was shaking, something nobody but Wells paid any mind to. Everyone was too busy trying to save their own skin.
Minister Thistlewood stood up. "Ah, I have a request for the President."
President Snow only moved his head in acknowledgement but his gaze was on the pocket watch in his hand. He was already done with the meeting and it seemed he didn't think too highly of Minister Thistlewood anymore.
None of it mattered to Sera, she didn't want to see any of this. She held on tight to her glass of nectar, breathing as calmly as she could so wouldn't storm out or make a scene. Her eyes weren't on anyone anymore. Something shiny and sharp had caught her eye.
A knife on her empty plate alongside a fork. The ornate silvery knife gleamed brightly in that dimly lit room, beckoning her to pick it up.
"You should do it." Eugene's raspy voice whispered into her ear, luring her into a violent trance. "Your aim's never failed you or…slit their throats." Her hands trembled a little and she almost reached out for it but Scarus put his hands on hers.
As if his touch had burnt her, she moved her hand away. Eugene's voice faded from her mind and her mind was clear again. She hated it. For once she wished her mind was buzzing with the voices of the past instead of being forced to pay attention to their awful dinner.
She shifted in her seat, doing everything not to look at the dejected face of her guard or the two powerful old men in the room. Though, she caught Finnick looking at her with a look that asked her if she was okay. He had calmed a little but his constant attention on her were drawing some interest from the President and other victors but not Minister Thistlewood who was busy finding his words or mentally undressing her or sharing a strange look with his godson—something she caught on just before he spoke again.
"I'd like to make a request on behalf of Miss Reza." Minister Thistlewood began.
President Snow paused and looked up. His face was devoid of all emotions, he was quietly assessing the Minister before he took a sip of his drink. The tension in that moment was like a thick suffocating fog. "Are you sure you are in that position to make requests on behalf of," President Snow's gaze flicked to Sera. "other victors."
"No." Minister Thistlewood's smile was stiff as was his posture. "It's out of my goodwill for Miss Reza's best interests."
"Goodwill?" President Snow spelled out and glanced over at her again. "Best interests?" He chuckled as if it was the funniest thing he had ever heard. His guests looked around, glancing over at each other in clear confusion whether they should laugh with him or stay in the pool of silence they were comfortable in.
Sera didn't laugh. She kept a blank smile on her face, eyes hollow of any emotions. It was like she was wearing a mask, hiding her inner turmoil and grief. The other guests took note and quietly followed her actions, masking themselves from each other and those at the head of the table.
With a few words, the dinner table had been turned into a battlefield and she was a pawn being moved back and forth by the two.
"Carry on." President Snow motioned to Minister Thistlewood to carry on. Yet the older man didn't seem as unfocused as before. He leaned back into his seat closer to Plutarch while eying his former ally and aid, Minister Thistlewood.
"I've noticed that my…godson has been a loyal guard to Miss Reza even giving up his promising career as an Elite Guard to protect her so I was thinking—who better to help Miss Reza…ease into her new role than Icarus."
President Snow bobbed his head, slowly, dragging his head down and placing a hand under his chin to think. He wasn't really thinking. "I am aware." He answered, gaze flicking towards a stiff Scarus. "I chose him for his skills and…his age. Though I didn't think he was sacrificing his future for the duty that I gave him." It was a question not a statement. Only a few would understand what he meant while the rest would misinterpret him and fall into his verbal trap.
Fortunately, Sera was one the few who did understand him.
Unfortunately, Scarus was also someone who understood the quiet underlying messages in President Snow's words. The young guard sat up, trying to mask the mixture of emotions he felt: anger, alarm and betrayal towards his scheming godfather. He had worked hard to get this far in life without utilizing his family name once and his so-called godfather was taking the tower he had built down with a few words.
"I never thought I was sacrificing my future when the request came." He scrambled to fix the mess his godfather made in a hurry. His words almost slurring with hurriedness he spoke. "In fact, I was honored."
Leora snorted. All the guests turned their gaze towards her but the woman in question refused to bow her head in embarrassment or look away. She was already in a grave, Sera thought so she wanted to dig a tunnel to entertain herself. A silly idea, if Sera ever thought about it. Leora was reckless but at least her recklessness had provided some form of entertainment in the dull dreary dinner.
"Do you have something to say Lee-ora?" Minister Thistlewood spoke slowly, purposely dragging her name out of his lips, drawing it out like the two were lovers or something. Yet a look at Leora would tell anyone otherwise as the woman started to tremble at the sound of his voice. She hurriedly shook her head.
With Leora's silence, Minister Thistlewood motioned his godson to carry on. "As I was saying, looking after Seraphine has been an honor and my uncle is mistaken."
"Am I?" His godfather leaned forward in his seat, anger bubbling inside of him at being turned against by his beloved godson. "On what exactly."
President Snow cleared his throat, reminding the two, he was still there. Some victors like Finnick and Gloss were a little disappointed that they didn't see the godson and godfather pair trade verbal blows at each other but they hid it well. "Young Scarus is still a vital member of the Elite Guards. If anything he is—well was climbing up to the rank of Captain of the central Capitol branch." President Snow announced, surprisingly shocking his so-called closest allies but not Plutarch. No Plutarch Heavensbee seemed more amused than shocked.
"Wha-what?" Minister Thistlewood's face fell. "I mean, congratulations Icarus."
"A little early for the congratulatory message, Janus."
"Never too early to celebrate, Mr President."
"Really?" President Snow tilted his head forward, his cold eyes scanning the smooth face of Minister Thistlewood—he could see that man's true thoughts on his face even when most couldn't. "Then why don't you finish your earlier 'request' and we'll see how early it is to celebrate."
Renewed with a false confidence, Minister Thistlewood stood up and Sera slumped back into her seat, almost wishing that the plush white leather seats would swallow her where she sat. "Thank you, Mr President. As I was, I want to make a request that my godson help Seraphine ease into her new duties. He'll be her fi—"
Sera almost choked on her drink as President Snow waved Minister Thistlewood off, silencing him and the table. "A bold proposition." He turned to the pale Scarus who looked sick yet oddly pleased at the prospect. It only made Sera's churn and she looked away from them all and focused on her plate. She couldn't even look up to meet Leora or Finnick's gaze. "...For now, I'll allow it."
Her eyes widened to the size of the moon. Barbed wires wrapped around her throat, strangling her, cutting off her air as she struggled to stay afloat. Her heart felt like it would burst out of her chest in fear.
Sensing her nervousness, Scarus attempted to comfort her again and tried to reach for her hand. Unlike last time, Sera was better prepared. She clasped her hands together and looked up with a hollow smile. She almost looked as if she was okay with the entire situation.
She was not.
A crack was heard, followed by another. "Sorry my hand slipped." Leora shakily apologized.
President Snow nodded, unconvinced. His eyes roamed the entire room, scanning each of the faces on the table along with avoxes hidden in the walls. There were two sounds of cracking glass heard but only one source was known. "I suppose I have held you all up late." He motioned at the avoxes at the sides to clear the table.
Lines of avoxes dressed in pale silver clumped around the table, hurriedly grabbing all the plates, cutleries and glasses. One patiently waited by Sera's side, waiting for her to finish her glass of drink that she held on in a trance.
"Seraphine." Scarus softly called out to her. His tone was sweeter than before and it only made her feel sick like the cloyingly sweet drink she had at the courtesy of the President at some ball hosted by Director Walston. "Your glass…" Sera ignored him again, swirling her drink, lost in her thoughts of doom and gloom.
What would she tell her aunt, her sister or her brother? What would she tell Nox when he asked her why she was always away? Would she lose them like Finnick did?
Questions plagued her mind and she downed her drink to ease the ache in her head and heart.
"Sera." Leora and Wells called out to her to grab her attention. Like Scarus they ignored.
"Se-Sera-Seraphine." She snapped out of her daze when she heard Finnick's voice. Anger at his stupidity for calling her by her nickname momentarily clouding her haze of sadness. "Everyone's waiting."
Only then did she notice that the room had gone, still waiting for her to move. A nervous laugh escaped her as she stood up and handed her glass to the avox without a single word before apologizing to the room even though nobody really wanted her to, well almost nobody.
"What an eventful dinner!" Decima clapped her hands together and stood up along with her dark blue dress coat. A single white rose pinned to her left breast pocket. "It's a shame that Ennius isn't here. Where is Director Walston?"
Minister Thistlewood paused. He sucked in a breath, sparing a tentative glance towards the President before he spoke. "He's in Twelve."
"Twelve?" Decima looked around the room in confusion. "How random. I didn't expect him to be there. Wasn't he supposed to be working on his new movie?"
"I sent him there." President Snow quietly answered while he waited for the room to clear, he didn't budge. One might mistake the dining hall for his, not Minister Thistlewood's.
Decima's face paled. The remaining victors slowed down a little and carefully kept an ear out for the conversation. They didn't understand what was so bad about Director Walston being sent to 12 but Sera did—as did Plutarch, Decima and Minister Thistlewood. Yet neither made a move to spell it out loud, certainly not Plutarch or Sera. Minister Thistlewood, however, did let his true emotions show as he put down his glass on the table with a loud slam, startling the blank faced avoxes and causing President Snow to raise a brow of interest.
"Apologies, I saw something." Was all he said. Underneath his wine glass, a small pale yellow butterfly struggled to escape from its glass prison.
"It's a butterfly, Janus. Hardly a threat." President Snow laughed and this time the rest of the victors did join in. Of course, it wasn't real laughter. Everyone was pretending, almost everyone, Porter wasn't and neither were some of the victors from 1 and 2.
Minister Thistlewood cleared his throat, stopping the laughter at once. "You never know. The prettiest things are often…" He glanced over at Cashmere, Gloss, Enobaria, Finnick and Sera before finishing. "...the deadliest."
Nobody said a word after that and an awkward tension filled the room. Sera and Finnick shared a look. The two had a lot to talk about but both knew they'd have to wait a while before they spoke again. She watched as he left the room with the other victors, she followed them out with Scarus at her heels. She still didn't look at him after the stupid declaration. She'd rather die than let him touch her the way they wanted him to.
"Miss Reza." President Snow's quiet voice cut through the tension like a knife as she turned her head to glance at the still seated President. "A word." She nodded and stayed where she was. "There's no need to stay here, Redcliff, help your godfather."
Both Minister Thistlewood and Scarus stared at Sera. Both had the mirrored gaze of want which sent shivers of disgust down her back she fought hard to suppress. Both lingered at the door before leaving.
When the two finally left, President Snow motioned for Sera to sit back down. Obediently she listened.
"Anything?" President Snow asked, waiting to answer.
She glanced up at him, masking her anger, her disgust and her hatred before she let out a deep pained breath. "I met Tamora Astbury a few weeks ago."
"Janus' sister. How fortunate." Sera nodded in response. At first she was going to ignore the sudden meeting, forget about it, stay out of it all like she always did and stay at the side but the dinner had changed everything. She loathed Minister Thistlewood, his family and Scarus. "She is admitted to the clinic. How did you meet her?"
"In clinic gardens, I took a walk to clear my head and we bumped into each other. We spoke a little bit but I found out a lot." President Snow leaned in closer and motioned her to carry on. "She says her brother—the minister is up to something and…" She hesitated a little, she really didn't have to but if she was going to play a new role, she might as well sell it as best she could. "There were scars and burn marks on her arms. Horrible scars that I have never seen before, not outside the arena."
"I suspect she told you where she got them from."
"Yes. Her brother. She claims that her brother hurt her. She's not the only victim, there's more." President Snow didn't care what the Minister did in his spare time, he did however care if it affected him and it seemed to Sera, Minister Thistlewood's hobbies did affect the President as he told her to carry on. "There's another thing, she started to beg me for help—I don't know how she found out but…" She swallowed. "She knows. She knows what you tasked me to do—I think Minister Thistlewood confided in her but I'm not too sure."
"Did you ever tell Janus?"
"I hardly know him. I didn't even tell Scarus. He just follows me around. The only conversations we have are around a game of chess."
"Who wins during those games?"
She tilted her head to the side in confusion. Why did it matter who…won…ah. "...Scarus." She answered, after a 'confused' moment. "I'm not good with chess. I prefer to sit in silence with a book."
"Understandable so you haven't told anyone."
"No, I kept it to myself. The president is the only one who's aware of what I do."
From the look on his face, she knew enough. President Snow never told Minister Thistlewood what exactly Sera was doing at the clinic. She just needed one more push. If she was going down, she'd take him and more down with her. "I heard something else from Tamora…" President Snow looked up. "She said there's something in the walls and underneath the floor of the Thistlewood estate—here. I didn't really understand what she meant but she said something about her brother being a…collector."
"The walls and floors have rats in them. Screams and Moans were the only symphonies that played non-stop in that home." That was what Harp had chirped on as she prepared Sera for the dinner earlier in the evening. Tamora didn't give her much but he'd hardly care what the source of the truth—if it was the trust—it didn't matter as long as he knew who was on his side.
But President Snow himself wasn't on anyone's side. He was on his own side.
She watched in silence as President Snow's eyes widened a little before it went back to being completely blank. Yet she could feel the rage emanating from him. If she wanted to she could stop but she had to carry on.
"There's another thing." He moved in his seat and let her carry on. "Cassius Allard. I've heard he's the director of New Hope Orphanage. Some say he's a good man but—"
"There are no good men in the snake's nest." Harp's voice echoed in her ears as she could feel her gloved hands comb her dark hair and braided silver threads into her hair. "Cassius Allard is good." She admitted afterwards but not before adding. "Good at hiding his face." She said with a chuckle before covering her mouth as if she was a child caught swearing.
And she agreed with most of what Harp said.
There really were no good men in the snakes' nest.
"But you—what?" President Snow was growing impatient.
"I think he's up to something. I've heard some things from Tamora as well about him and some patients while I was passing by. Things like…children going missing at the orphanage. I might be making accusations here but I also learned from Tamora that Director Allard, Director Walston and Minister Thistlewood were close once upon a time."
President Snow didn't respond. With a wave of his hand, he dismissed her but he quickly stopped her from leaving. "Do as you have done so far and…be careful. Scarus Redcliff is not a simple boy. I'm sure you're smart enough to understand that."
Sera nodded once and hurried out. She only needed to pray her gamble of mixing lies and truth would pay off in time. If not, she needed to come with another plan.
"So you understand now?" Plutarch came out of the shadows, his assistant, Fulvia accompanying him. Fulvia nodded at Sera before making herself scarce.
"Unfortunately, a little too late." Sera's voice was a little hoarse and shaky. She was holding back tears. "...You were right. I was wrong. Is that what you wanted to hear that I purposely stayed blind so I wouldn't be hurt but it didn't work? That I failed miserably?"
Plutarch took out a handkerchief and handed it to her. She refused to cry. She didn't cry when she was reaped, she didn't cry when she was on the verge of death. She refused to let anyone see her cry. Though, she still accepted his act of kindness. "This was not what I wanted for you or anyone of the victors."
"You had no problem playing the Gamemaker."
"Sometimes you have to sacrifice your morals to get to your goals."
"Is that what you did?" He nodded. "Was it worth it?"
"I'd say so."
Neither spoke for a moment, Sera looked away. She was at a cliff's edge. On push and she would tumble down. She didn't want to fall. Being at the bottom was harsh, nobody knew that as much as Sera and her family. She couldn't imagine what was below where she came from. "...Two weeks—no, until the end of this year's games—I'll give you my answer. If…if…what I did worked then you'll hear what you wanted all along and…maybe I can give you more than what you wanted."
Normally, she expected Plutarch to laugh, to grin or even chuckle but the mood the night was so somber that Plutarch didn't even move. He only bowed his head in acknowledgment. "I'll wait until then and…" He hesitated a little with the next few words. "If you choose to go down this road, you'll have to give up some things."
"Like what?"
"Your budding relationship with a certain victor."
Sera's face was one of anguish when she heard him. "...Why?" She choked out. "I don't understand." She sounded more like a child than the cunning victor she was. "I—" She did understand. He was too emotional and most of all, he was not part of this. "I'll cross that bridge when we get there." Then it was all gone. Those childish emotions, the hoarseness in her voice and tiredness in her eyes. She blinked and she was back to being the perfect 'Flower of Panem' that everyone loved and hated. It was remarkable just how quickly she was learning to pretend.
"Just like that." Plutarch remarked. "Keep that up." He pointed out and Sera threw his handkerchief in his face just as Scarus appeared to collect her. "Come to collect your…charge."
"Gamemaker Heavensbee." Scarus greeted icily and held out his hand for Sera. She didn't take it and brushed past him, already walking away. He could only sigh, nodding to Fulvia and Plutarch before chasing Sera. "What did the two of you talk about?"
"I hate that man." Replied Sera with no context.
Scarus stifled a laugh and nodded. He kept his eyes on her. "Are you okay?"
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were concerned." She replied with a coy smile. Her skin itched and she had the urge to scratch herself, draw blood to relieve the tension.
"Maybe." He answered curtly.
Passing the ornate doors of the Thistlewood estate, the two were outside again and cool summer air, lightly caressed Sera's cheeks. "Back in the dining hall—was it your idea?"
Scarus wetted his dry lips and pulled his hood over his face, covering himself up. "Yes." He quickened his pace and Sera's heart dropped. "I thought it would be the best option for you."
She wanted to laugh and cry at the same time. He barely knew her, almost loathed her two years ago but now he was making decisions on her behalf. He was out of his mind and so was she, considering she had started a dangerous games against his godfather.
"You'll do anything to rise to the top, won't you?" She remarked absentmindedly, catching up to him and going past him. He caught her by the wrist and pulled her back, his face mere inches from hers.
Though taken aback, he didn't find offense in her words. "I'll do anything to climb above my father." He murmured into her ear.
She didn't react at all. Her face didn't flush red like the color of his hair as he wanted her to nor did her gaze tremble. If anything she looked bored and tired. "Too much ambition is never good Icarus."
His gaze trembled and he felt strange. He let it pass, not pressing her for more which was odd though Sera wasn't foolish enough to complain, she was already in trouble as it was.
Minister Thistlewood. She wished him the worst and hoped the earth would crack and swallow him up whole as magma underneath would bathe his flesh in its hot temperatures while melting his bones into nothingness. Unlike her previous murderous thoughts, she didn't feel an ounce of guilt when those thoughts about the Minister came to her and she only wished they would come true.
As much as she'd hate to admit, Plutarch was right. Her constant passiveness and her sudden activeness in the face of her brother being in danger had been her undoing. Capitolites were singing her praises for rescuing those poor plant workers at Five while Peacekeepers and their families scorned her.
She attracted more attention than she ever wanted and she didn't know what to do. She didn't want to give up her body, herself to pay for something they considered a mistake. She made no mistake and she'd do it again if the opportunity arose.
Still, she had to now join the others and sell herself. She didn't want that but they wanted her. Minister Thistlewood wanted her but the President still had use of her. If only there was a way to reset the board…
Think Sera, think.
You need a way out. You can't let them sell you like this, not when you spent a year building a reputation as the untouchable 'Flower of Panem'. Finnick would try to help her, she was sure of it. You could rely on him and trust…ah.
He can't even help himself.
Sera flinched at those thoughts and Scarus curiously stared at her as he escorted her to the car but she stopped suddenly. Her eyes caught something nearby that sparked her interest. In front of her was a normal flower shop, Scarus probably thought she liked the flowers.
Of course, she liked them but what she liked the most were the bowed small heads of white bell-shaped flowers in the decorated terracotta pot. All the white bells were clustered onto one side of the leafless stalk while two large shiny green leaves at the base were crouched on the sides of the plant.
Noticing her fixated stare on the shop's window, Scarus stopped and walked back to stand beside her. "Did the shop catch your attention?"
She shook her head. "Not quite." She honestly answered and quietly observed her guard. Could she do it? Could she make him fold? "I…uh…it's nothing." She turned to walk away but her guard pulled her back by her wrist. Maybe she could do it.
"What is it? Tell me. You know you're not meant to hide anything from me." He felt oddly irritated at the thought of Sera not telling him something. He tried to brush it off but the burning feeling just wouldn't go away.
The burn took spark back in the dining hall when the President agreed to his godfather, Minister Thistlewood's request for Sera to start additional activities in the Capitol. It nearly consumed him and he almost lashed out in the dining hall. The burn was satiated for a brief flickering moment when his godfather offered for him to 'help' Sera. It oddly pleased him to be her first; though when he looked at the terrified and confused face of his charge, guilt bloomed in his chest, constricting his breaths.
Sera waited a few minutes before letting out a sigh and motioning her head towards the white bell-shaped flowers. "They have lilies of the valley…they're my aunt's favorite flowers. I thought it was nice they had it here since it's pretty hard to find. It's nice." She said with a soft wistful smile, her eyes hazy as if she was lost in a daze.
Looking up at her guard, her smile faded and she turned away from him, marching straight to the car. She didn't even wait for her guard. She got in and waited. In her head, she was counting down.
Scarus arrived a little later and took his seat next to her in the back even though she left him not far from the car. He expected her to not question him and like always, she didn't question him at all, much to his disappointment.
He dropped her off and left. Sera watched him leave and shut her door before going to change. After changing into a loose pale pink satin slip-on dress, she sat down on the sofa in the living room and counted.
Calm orchestral music played in the background from the radio, Sera counted. Did she make the right choices? Say the right words? Act the right way? She didn't know and the anticipation was killing her. If she failed, she'd have to sell herself.
A few knocks were heard and she jumped out her seat before straightening her posture and giving herself a quick once-over in a nearby mirror. It wasn't Finnick, she was sure of it. It wasn't Finnick.
Sera opened the door without checking and she couldn't help but smile.
Her guard stood on the other side of the door with the potted lily of the valley she had seen in the passing shop window. She feigned surprise and let out a soft gasp of surprise. "Icarus, what are you doing here?"
"You left something behind."
"I was sure I didn't." Her attention shifted to the potted plant and her eyes widened. "This is…"
"It's nothing." He said at first, drawing in a deep breath and letting it go. His eyes scanned hers, lingering on her exposed collarbone before meeting her gaze. There was a strange hunger in his eyes and it almost scared her. "I…uh…realized that perhaps you haven't had the best night ever so a little something to make your day better."
A slow but soft smile made its way to her face and she let out a coy laugh, attracting the attention of not only her guard but even her neighbor across the hall who came out. Finnick's door opened all of sudden, momentarily surprising her.
The two victors stared at each other with a complicated look as the two silently communicated. Scarus glanced between the two and tried to cut in with little success. Finnick noticed the lily of the valley and examined it carefully. He didn't have a good feeling about this at all. If only his tribute wasn't in the hospital he'd stay and do something for Sera.
But Sera knew he wouldn't pick her. Not now at least, not when his tribute was in the hospital. A selfish part of her wanted him to pick her, not his tribute and stay and stand between her and Scarus. He couldn't even if he wanted to and she knew that.
"Don't mind me." Finnick forced himself to grin charmingly as Scarus rolled his eyes in annoyance. "I was just on my way to visit…my tribute."
Scarus grumbled something under his breath. "Then you should be on your way, the hospital's visiting hours end in two hours." The guard retorted. His tone, anything but friendly.
"I know, I was just going." Finnick searched to meet Sera's eyes but she wouldn't look at him, she couldn't. "I guess I'm going…"
She still didn't react to him. "Icarus, do you want to come in? I was going to make dinner." Scarus nodded, inwardly feeling very smug as he went past Sera and into her apartment as Finnick watched in anger.
The moment Scarus was gone, Finnick was moving across the hall and was in front of Sera within seconds. "What are you doing?" He hissed, grabbing her by her wrists. "Sera, you can't trust him. Just wait for me and I'll do—"
"Not now." Sera cut Finnick off. Their voices were just quiet enough for only the two of them. "I know. I know you want to help but just…trust me."
Finnick couldn't, he had no choice but to let go and watch as Sera inside her apartment where Scarus was waiting for her. She shut the door behind her and leaned against it.
The lily of the valley was waiting for her in the kitchen along with Scarus. "I didn't realize your sister liked lilies of the valley, I thought she preferred lavenders."
With the apron hanging off her neck, she paused mid-action while tying the lace behind. Scarus quietly crept up behind Sera and grabbed the ends of the ribbon from her, their fingers brushing against each other. Sera stiffened as Scarus tied her apron.
The situation reminded her of a recent past where something similar had happened but with Finnick. However, she wasn't as nervous when she was with Finnick than when was with Scarus. "Ah. I can see why you'd think that. I said lavenders best represent my sister because she's a calm person but really she likes lilies of the valley. She likes the bell-shaped blossoms a lot."
"Really?" Sera nodded. "I think they look horrible."
"And what flower do you think looks best? I know it's a silly question—"
"Roses." Scarus said without hesitating. Of course, it was roses. "They smell pretty good too."
She grabbed a knife from the knife rack and grabbed a few carrots and washed them. Carefully, she started to chop them. She slowed when she felt Scarus hover around her before standing next to her with his back against the counters.
"White roses?" She nervously asked, slicing the carrots then dumping them into the pot.
Scarus shook his head, a little alarmed by her simple question. Looking down at her, he shook off those thoughts. She was asking an innocent question. That was all. Sera wasn't that smart. He could trust her a little. "Red ones. The white ones…are pretty but I don't prefer them. Most white roses in the Capitol don't have thorns either."
"Isn't that a good thing?"
"No. I like thorns." He admitted, turning to look at her. His dark golden eyes bore into her silver ones as if he was looking deep into her soul. She reminded him of a thorny red rose with her talent for throwing blades and the way her cheeks would flush with red whenever she and Odair spoke but he'd never say it out loud. "I like red roses."
Sera nodded and focused on finishing her tasks. When she was done, the two ate in relative silence but she couldn't help notice, the way Scarus had looked at her had changed. And she wondered if she made the right choice as she bid him goodnight and closed the door behind him.
One glance at the lily of the valley on the kitchen counter changed her mind. She made the right choice.
A tired but sad laugh escaped her as she stared at the belled blossoms. She took out some gloves and touched each of the blossoms. At that moment, they were her favorite, not Talissa's.
Plant Dictionary:
Lavender - Distrust, Loyalty, Devotion or Love
Lily of the Valley - Return of Happiness, Humility