Chapter One-Hundred-and-Twelve; The Innocents
To say Prall was displeased about the newest addition to their alliance would have been an understatement Stephanie considered.
Prall had already worked himself up to be furious about the thought that Tain would be joining their alliance but when he found out it was Astara – he had spluttered incandescent with rage.
"She's a weakling! – even more so than her brother," Prall barked, his gaze flickering over to Astara were she stood by the rail; Tain as usual was nowhere near her.
Stephanie glowered darkly at Prall; she was coming to resent their alliance with every passing moment.
"She's in our alliance or I'm not," Stephanie said resolutely. Her stomach flipped nervously; she in truth had no idea what she would do if Prall decided Stephanie wasn't worth the trouble she was causing.
She was determined though she would not tell Prall about Tain, even if it would make Prall warm to the idea more. Tain had trusted her and maybe trying to uphold something like trust here in the Capitol was foolish but Stephanie was determined to keep her promise. She also didn't trust that Prall would keep his mouth shut to Astara about her brother.
Prall was quivering with rage, his bottom lip protruding even further in a stubborn pout before he puffed out a deep breath, visibly relented and Stephanie allowed herself to relax.
"But," Prall began ominously, "when training starts – I want to see it."
A line of confusion appeared between Stephanie's brows when Prall continued, leaving her in no doubt what he meant.
"I want to see with my own eyes what it is that makes you so special – I want to see this 'secret deadly talent' of yours that makes your mentor so confident you will win."
Stephanie held his gaze as long as she dared, "fine," she spat before she whirled and stalked away from him, nerves forming a tight knot in her gut.
She went to the rail, allowing the wind to tug at her hair.
She had caught Frenkin's concerned gaze watching her; she suspected he knew that things in their little alliance weren't going great already. But Stephanie couldn't bring herself to go and face him yet, not when she wouldn't be able to school her features into a reassuring smile for him.
Scouring her surroundings quickly she silently noted that Haymitch hadn't returned yet. She wished that he had, Haymitch's foreboding words were like a hot coal resting at the back of her mind slowly burning away at her controlled composure.
Plus she needed to enforce to him that they really needed a talent she could somehow showcase to Prall if they wanted her alliance not to break before she even got into the arena.
Stephanie sighed as the wind splayed a few brunette strands of her hair about her face. She raised her hand to push them away, remembering that on the day of her Reaping it had been windy too.
Shifting her gaze she could see Astara, leaning slightly over the rail further down.
Stephanie was about to go down and speak to her, to actually invite her into the alliance. Something she would have preferred to do before her confrontation with Prall; but he had been waiting for her as soon as Tain had walked away.
However before Stephanie could edge forward even an inch she was stopped.
"Stephanie pet here you are! – Hiding away again?"
Stephanie turned surprised at the sound of Isa's voice.
Isa was at her side with luminous eyes and her lips pursed in a chastising pout at Stephanie.
"What? – No, I'm not…hiding. I've just been…talking with – other tributes," Stephanie intoned, hoping Isa would catch the meaningful incline to her voice.
Isa bobbed her head having clearly understood though she evidently didn't agree either, "yes well Stephanie pet all that 'alliance' making isn't very good for socialising – or for the cameras!" Isa told her sternly.
Stephanie could see there was some truth to Isa's words. After their customary, compulsive interviews at the beginning the cameras attention was then free to roam; to whomever would take the chance to seize it.
Stephanie could see there hadn't been much competition for the Careers had been effortlessly holding the Capitol's attention for a while now with a few other tributes making valiant efforts and managing to steal a few minutes.
Stephanie could understand Isa's scolding that for the past while Stephanie hadn't been playing to the Capitol crowd as she should have been. She had been weaving in and out amongst the Capitolites and instead of interacting with would-be sponsors she had ignored them in favour of fellow tributes. She had dimly been aware that Haymitch was conversing with Capitolites with that faux charming grin of his when he wasn't talking to other mentors seriously.
But Stephanie realised she would have to make a bigger effort with the Capitolites especially since she was losing appeal with her 'Capitol and District lovers' charade.
Stephanie shot Isa a suitably scolded look and the escort was immediately reconciled.
"Well no matter for now missy," Isa said as her eyes brightened once more with excitement and she clasped Stephanie's hands, "Dan will be arriving soon!"
Stephanie resisted the urge to groan in despair at the upcoming date with Dan Flickerman; her 'Capitol lover'.
She managed a tight smile instead, that she felt looked far too disingenuous but as most things were in the Capitol Isa didn't notice and grinned wider.
"And I have some exciting news to add," Isa beamed even brighter and Stephanie tried not to frown; Isa's exciting news was usually the exact opposite.
"Oh?" she inquired politely instead, while Isa's grasp on her hands grew a little too painful.
"It's been decided due to special circumstances and all," Isa began in a sing-song voice with a seemingly knowing look, "that your date with Dan will remain private to allow you two love-birds some time to yourselves!"
Isa stepped back with a giddy laugh throwing her arms wide as though she suddenly expected Stephanie to throw her arms around her in gratitude.
Stephanie tried to paint a suitably excited of some sort expression on her face, the manic grin sliding once more into place.
Isa of course, was once more disappointed by Stephanie's less than enthusiastic response and launched into a tirade about showing a little more gratefulness towards Dan when he arrived. Stephanie afterall had to appreciate how difficult this all was for Dan – Stephanie resisted the urge to laugh.
However as Isa droned on endlessly it seemed on how Stephanie should behave when Dan arrives Stephanie suppressed a rueful smirk.
She had suspected the Capitol was growing bored with her and now here was the proof. Stephanie knew she should feel rather more alarmed than relieved like she did at that moment by the thought but she couldn't help it.
From what she could glean during Isa's speech there would be a few quick camera shots of her and Dan and then the 'two lovebirds' would be left in peace to enjoy their time before the arena.
Stephanie knew there would be people like Isa who would coo over such a thing, thinking it awfully romantic but Stephanie suspected it had more to do with the fact that the camera crews didn't want to be wasting time filming another date.
The Capitol had already watched the tributes during their dinner dates afterall and didn't need to be bored with another.
Stephanie realised that the escort before her had stopped speaking and Stephanie readied herself to make some empty promise about adhering to what Isa had said.
But Isa's eyes were locked on Stephanie with a for once inscrutable expression. Stephanie quirked a brow, wondering if Isa had finally cottoned on that Stephanie zoned out most of the time when she was speaking.
Isa raised a perfectly manicured hand, her dusky skin was as smooth as silk when she pressed her hand to Stephanie's cheek and smiled.
Stephanie felt an inexplicable lump rise in her throat as she remembered her mother enacting the very same gesture on a windy day like today what seemed a lifetime ago.
"Dan is very lucky to have you Stephanie," Isa said earnestly then, "even if you are from the Districts," she added almost as an afterthought.
Stephanie felt a stubborn smirk tug at her lips as she decided then that Isa was innocent; misguided, brainwashed and delusional undoubtedly but, also…innocent.
Isa's hand slipped from her face and the wind whispered across the bare skin of her shoulders.
The moment was over and Isa was already berating her in motherly tones about her windswept appearance from having spent so much time at the rails where the breeze was strongest.
Stephanie merely smiled softly as she nodded and then Isa pranced off again and Stephanie shook her head in mingled fondness and exasperation.
When Stephanie turned she realised that Astara had watched her exchange with Isa and her head was tilted to the side curiously.
Stephanie caught her pale blue gaze with her own though Astara didn't snap her eyes away hurriedly but rather straightened her spine and looked to Stephanie almost expectantly.
As Stephanie approached Astara she had a moment to appreciate just how alike Astara and her twin brother Tain actually were and somehow the impression extended beyond mere physical appearances.
"Hello."
The casual greeting was so normal it almost threw Stephanie immediately but she eventually managed a small smile in return, "hi."
Astara's gaze then left her face and roamed out across the racetrack where the horses were gathering for the next race, champing impatiently at their bits and stamping their hooves against the verdant grass.
"They're thoroughbreds you know," Astara said lightly and Stephanie's gaze snapped to her.
Tain had opened up their conversation the exact same way and Stephanie wondered if perhaps Astara was trying to let her know that she knew Stephanie had spoken with Tain.
However the only look on Astara's face was a dimly burning whimsical light in her eyes as they watched the horses.
Pushing back her numerous thoughts Stephanie leaned casually against the rail, clasping her hands lightly, "so I've heard."
Astara's gaze slid to her, that sliver of suspicion present in her gaze that could always be seen in every tribute's eyes as they regarded a fellow tribute. Afterall they could be the one that would kill you in the arena.
"Are there horses in your District?" Stephanie asked, stalling slightly for time. She didn't know how to breach the topic of alliances.
Astara tilted her head again as she observed the horses in the distance, "there used to be. They used to use them for dragging the lumber out of the forest up to the factory. Horses are intuitive you see; could easily pick out the smoothest path, much better than any human or machine could."
Astara looked over to see Stephanie listening with rapt attention and then Astara shrugged, that forlorn expression dimming her eyes again, "then they got rid of them all. I don't know why or where to. We use machinery now to move the lumber; the sap is forever clogging them up though." Astara's tone was strangely hollow when she finished.
Stephanie blinked as she looked out at the horses trying to envision Astara's district. She remembered her brother Fen telling her of the different districts. She had always been fascinated by the Districts like 7 and 10 that had trees that towered above them rather than the belching factory chimneys like in District 3.
"The Capitol doesn't like things that can think for themselves," Stephanie said quietly after a moment and as Stephanie looked to Astara they exchanged rueful knowing smirks.
Stephanie feeling the time for idle chat was over turned to Astara and from Astara's rallying breath Stephanie suspected Astara was preparing herself.
"I want to ask you to be in an alliance with me. Currently there is Prall and Ava from District 5 and Frenkin – my district partner and myself."
Astara nodded almost perceptibly as though she had expected this.
"Why?" Astara then asked clearly.
Stephanie stammered for a moment as Astara eyed her shrewdly.
"Because I want you to be in our alliance," Stephanie replied rather lamely.
A smile touched Astara's lips but the brief levity was swiped away quickly as her eyes zeroed in on Stephanie with an unnerving intensity. Her eyes seemed even bigger up close, sunk in shadows within her gaunt face.
"Yes but why? I have no problem admitting to you I have no skills or anything," Astara said without the slightest hint of hesitation and Stephanie inhaled a breath sharply at Astara's sheer mettle to admit the truth so brazenly.
That same impish smile danced about Astara's lips at Stephanie's evident shock imprinted on her face.
And Stephanie realised with a jolt that the expression reminded her wholly of Tain; that same aura of mischief or playfulness exuded from Astara; though it was dimmed, a mere whisper of what it would have been a year before Stephanie suspected.
Stephanie took a deep breath, giving herself a moment to collect her thoughts; what could she possibly say without giving Tain away? Tain had expressively told her to keep this from Astara but then Stephanie frowned as she considered the task was likely impossible.
Astara was Tain's twin; she knew what way her brother's mind worked intricately and perhaps had already suspected he would try something like this. Then to round things off Tain had probably choose the worst actress – her, Stephanie thought – to try and convince his sister otherwise.
"I need someone I can trust in my alliance," Stephanie voiced quietly and she watched the surprise register on Astara's face.
Stephanie silently hoped that Astara put as much stock by 'trust' as her brother did.
Astara's gaze flickered over Stephanie's shoulder and Stephanie didn't need to look to know that Astara was seeking out Prall, Frenkin and Ava.
She immediately disregarded Frenkin and Ava as Stephanie knew she would and then Astara's gaze landed on Prall.
"The District 5 boy – Prall Underling," Astara reasoned astutely and Stephanie nodded.
Astara's gaze strayed again and a smirk ghosted across her lips, "he doesn't seem pleased that you are speaking with me," she murmured.
Stephanie scowled and resisted the urge to turn knowing that if she saw one more of Prall's dark looks she would march right over and show him her 'secret deadly talent' there and then.
"Yea, well that's his problem," Stephanie muttered with a frown.
Astara chuckled lightly; her soft laughter almost identical to that of her brother.
"Yes," Astara said suddenly, so much so that Stephanie stared at her baffled for a moment before she blinked, "you mean you'll be in our alliance?" Stephanie asked eagerly.
Astara laughed again; a wispy sound that seemed to judder her whole frame, "I wouldn't be so happy about it – I really can't fight you know."
Stephanie gave a crooked smile; anyone else would think her insane as somehow unwittingly she had done exactly what Prall had feared she would – gathering in all the weakest tributes to herself as though she could protect them.
She was still in slightly awed shock at Astara's undaunted bravery or foolishness in admitting so freely she was defenceless. However she imagined after Astara had faced death every day for the past year that the threat had lost its chill, either that or she had resigned herself to it.
As Stephanie caught Haymitch appearing once more just out of the periphery of her vision she wondered what he would make of her efforts in securing alliances.
She felt a twinge of guilt thinking how she would most likely drive him to drink again as she named her alliance partners; two children, someone she didn't trust as far as she could throw him, a girl that was surprisingly weaker than she was and her brother secretly following them all.
A fleeting smile touched her lips as she considered; Frenkin, Ava, Astara, Tain – perhaps the exception of Prall, they were all innocent like Stephanie had decided Isa was.
And her smile grew in earnest as the thought occurred to her; the alliance of innocents.
Thanks to girlworthfightingfor for the review! – Darn, was it that obvious? :P