Chapter 15: Seneca Crane
After waking, and enduring a typically awkward breakfast with my team, I headed down to the training centre with Cole, our stilted silence only broken by the bing from the elevator doors on a lower floor, followed by the addition of another tribute to the already cramped compartment. I offered the girl from five a nod of acknowledgement, no need to antagonise the opposition ahead of the games, there'd be plenty of time for revelling in the chaos when we finally entered the arena. We reached the ground floor without any further interruption, and I strode past them without thought, continuing on past the training room and taking note of Cole's suspicious glances as I entered the final doorway, and climbed the staircase inside.
I steeled myself when I reached the top, coming to a stop as the first door to my left. Confidence in my convictions had never previously been an issue, though I knew in my gut that the oncoming conversation could easily seal me and my soulmates' fate if things turned sour. I finally ran a hand through my tousled hair, pulling it back to appear as professional as possible, and knocked on the door to the game makers viewing room. The sound of shuffling followed, footsteps growing closer to the door until I was face to face with the man I was looking for.
With a sharp yet masculine face accompanied by moody, romantic features, Seneca Crane could certainly be considered an attractive man, though it was his sharp icy blue eyes that were without a doubt his most prominent feature. The same colour that almost melted in Cato's eyes when met with my own molten steel gaze now looked back at me with a clinical curiosity, poorly masked with surprise. They weren't interested in chastising me for being out of bounds, only assessing wether our interaction was worth the amount of his valuable time that it would take up. By the inclination of his head and upturn of his lips that were sent my way, I guessed that I was deemed worth a shot.
"Mr Crane, it's an honour to finally make your acquaintance, thanks to you the last few games have been some of the most thrilling to date." I offered my hand and he met me half way, the callouses on his palms unfitting of a wealthy Capitol man such as himself. "As nice as that is to hear Miss Everdeen, I doubt that's why you came to find me. Now, shall we get down to business?" "Yes, you're quite right sir. I came here to seek a private audience with you about a matter of upmost importance, something that could revolutionise the games if you move with it rather than against it. " His eyes widened momentarily before flashing with intrigue, and he quickly lead me further down the hallway to a smaller room, filled with computers, their screens spanning entire walls and mapping out what appeared to be blueprints from past games.
As the door shut softly behind us, I lifted my gaze to meet his sharp but encouraging stare, burying any apprehension that remained. "It has come to my attention over the past few days, that I am in a situation entirely unheard of within the games. You see, not only do I happen to have multiple soulmates, which is a rarity in itself, but they also happen to be participating in the games alongside me. I assume you can see the complications this could cause Game-maker? Even the citizens of the Capitol wouldn't happily sit by and allow my prospective fairytale ending to be dashed in front of their very eyes? It would be wise to at least give them reason to root for the star-crossed lovers, don't you think Mr Crane?" I propose, being careful to not reveal that I was also bonded to some of the mentors, information that could make for a useful bargaining chip later on.
His expression pinches momentarily, likely frustration at being caught unawares, before returning to his usual calm facade. "And, Miss Everdeen, how exactly do you suggest I would propose this to the rest of the game-makers? There is a reason behind there only being one victor, to show the power of the Capitol over the districts. Allowing a group of you to ride off into the sunset doesn't quite send the same message, does it?" He replies, his blank mask turning almost condescending, though it wasn't a direct rejection of my proposal. "It isn't the same message, it's a better one. Ruling through fear only works for so long, and the Capitol's iron fist certainly isn't the threat it used to be, and I think we both know that Mr Crane. By allowing tributes from multiple districts to win together, and by actually showing mercy, you can tighten the Capitol's hold and cowe both the rich and poor districts. This could be the best thing to happen to the Capitol if you support it. But if you don't...well I think it's safe to say we both know it'll be your ruin."
I lean back against the wall for support after I finish, needing to ground myself as my frantic thoughts scream against my arrogance, though I knew internally that it was the only way you could successfully deal with men like Seneca Crane, by having the winning cards before the deck was even shuffled. He considered me for a few moments, gaze scanning my form in a manner that was entirely analytical, before there was a slight quirk at the corner of his mouth, followed by a long sigh as he ran his fingers through his neatly combed hair. "Alright, you've made your point, though I'm going to need some more information before I'd even consider agreeing to this. Now, who are these tributes that you're bonded to?" He asks, appearing almost exasperated, though I can the near-frantic look in his eye that gives away his interest immediately.
"Both tributes from District One, both from District Two, and the male tribute from District Ten sir. They are all aware and accepting of their connection with me, so that doesn't pose an issue..." I trail of, noticing his dismissive chuckle. "Really, Miss Everdeen? You actually expect me to believe that you just happen to be bonded to the five strongest tributes in the games this year? Didn't you realise that might just sound a little too convenient..." his words trailing off as I roll up the sleeves of my training suit to reveal both Clove and Cato's names on my wrists, recognition and surprise flashing in his gaze as he's left with little choice than to accept my claim. "Is that enough evidence, or must I prostrate myself before you and beg you to believe me, Mr Game-maker?" I spat at him in disgust, feeling uncharacteristically hurt at him questioning of the validity of my bonds.
He cleared his throat, looking rather downtrodden and ashamed for a man who annually sent children to their deaths. "I apologise Miss Everdeen, I would never have questioned you had I seen the marks first, but I'm sure you can understand my hesitation at immediately accepting such an unlikely occurrence. I am willing to come to terms with you, as what you said earlier was largely correct. There have been rumblings of uprising in the districts for the last few years, and it would only be a matter of time before things came to a head there. So, as long as you don't openly flaunt the fact that you have my favour in front of the tributes, other than your soulmates, I would be agreeable to coming to terms with you. Now, others than giving the six of you the opportunity to win together, are there any other requests you wish to make for me to consider?"
"Nothing excessive, wouldn't want the win to be too easy for us, only that there would be a decent amount of wildlife to hunt, should the landscape for this years' games permit it." He nodded slowly, and relief flooded my system, though I did my best to remain outwardly unaffected. "That's easily done. Now, if you'll excuse me Miss Everdeen, there have been some unprecedented changes to this years' games that I should begin to implement at once." He finished smoothly, sharing a smirk with me before returning to the gallery to rejoin his colleagues. I allowed my body to momentarily fall limp against the wall, rejoicing in my success, before heading back down the stairs and slipping into the training room.
I headed to the hand to hand combat station, needing to let go of all my pent up energy, sitting through the trainers explanation before we finally got to fight. The man had a stocky build, though nowhere near as imposing as Cato or Thresh, and I soon managed to incapacitate him by locking in a rear choke hold. The crushing strength of my legs wrapped around his rib cage only further restricted his breathing until he tapped out, congratulating me after getting his breath back. I turn to find both Cato and Thresh shooting me lustful glances from across the room, eyes lighting up as they meet my own before waving me over.
Once I reach the pair of them, it's clear to see that they were both enjoying watching me in action, if their hooded eyes and slightly tented trousers are anything to judge by, and I'm struck by the urge for feel them pressed against me, inside me. I grab both of their wrists before heading to the door, only to be stopped briefly by Glimmer. "Everything okay? Where are you guys going?" I lean in close before giving my reply, making sure to nip at her pulse point afterwards. "We're finding a better way to work up a sweat, feel free to bring the others when you're done." I finish by placing a soft kiss over the marks I left before carrying on to the elevator, boys in tow.