Okay, so I may have lied...there will be one more chapter at the ready after this one, mostly because this ones a little bit short. (sorry...) I just found the right cut-off point, you know? So it's maybe a little bit of a teaser into chapter 5...but then things will come in bigger chunks, I promise.
Kay, another chapter: edited. Check!
Anyway, have fun on your trip to the capitol with Tobi, Oscar, Blye and Finnick!
The trip from the Lighthouse to the station is like throwing a rotten minnow to a cluster of gulls—pure chaos. Oscar and I are escorted by a full fleet of peacekeepers through the streets just outside the district limits, crowded with photographers and newscasters from the capitol. I try to keep my face blank, strong yet neutral. This is the first level of vultures—people just waiting to pinpoint exactly how weak I am. As we are shoved into the waiting car, I elbow Oscar in the side.
"Toughen up," I whisper to him at his accusatory glance. He frowns, and I sigh, not really sure why I'm helping him. I suppose it's because no matter which way I look at it, he's still just a 13 year old kid. You're just a kid…a voice in my head argues. But he's not my enemy until I hit the arena. For now, he's a victim the same as me. "Don't let them see how scared you are—it'll affect your sponsors in the future." He nods slowly. The fear doesn't leave his face, but I've done what I can.
By the time we reach the bullet train, even my mask is cracking. The sheer amount of photo flashes that have assaulted my eyes is enough to permanently blind anyone, and my jaw is sore from clenching my teeth.
"Alright—here we are!" Blye exclaims delightedly from behind us, pushes us gently into the train. "Oh, isn't this just divine! Look at this dining car…and the viewing room! Isn't this just amazing?" I can't help but agree. The train was beautiful from the outside—all sleek silver—but nowhere near the extravagance inside. Finely furnished with mahogany tables, green velvet furniture and layers of intricate carpets…it's finer than anything I've ever seen. And District 4 is considered one of the wealthier districts. I wonder what tributes from the outlying districts think of all this.
My room is equally splendid. I'll only need it for a night or two—the train moves so quickly, the journey across half of Panem is reduced to a mere couple days—but it's the epitome of luxury, all the same.
"Why don't you two get changed into something nice and clean yourselves up for dinner," Blye's voice penetrates the walls from where she stands in the hall between my room and Oscar's. "There should be plenty of suitable options in your drawers!" I hear her ridiculous heels clomp away and meander over to the set of drawers, open the top one. Inside is a plethora of fine shirts—silk, cotton, velvet—all of varying colors. The drawer below holds pants…and the shower connected to the room is awfully tempting…
Perhaps a half hour later, I feel almost better. My stomach is still in knots, my heart hurts, and my mind is full of faces I might never see again. But I'm clean, dressed in a teal, silk shirt and black slacks, the front of my hair back in its braid with the rest over my shoulders.
I sit at the table, staring at the food. I'm early; Oscar and Blye haven't arrived to eat, yet, and my stomach doesn't feel very accepting. I sigh, lean back in my chair and pull out my little fish, maneuver it around in my fingers.
"That's beautiful," a light tenor voice cuts in. Startled, my fingers falter and drop the fish. I watch it hit the floor with my heart in my throat, sigh when it remains intact. I reach down to pick it up, but a tan hand gets there first. My eyes follow as it rises from the floor, approaches a chiseled face framed by copper curls and marked by deep blue eyes. I know this man—there are few in District 4 who don't.
"Finnick Odaire," I murmur. His eyes flash up to meet my gaze. He smiles, and I gulp. He's as striking as they say.
"And you must be miss Silverside. Kuria, was it?" I nod slowly as he sits down in a chair across from me.
"Everyone calls me Tobi." He frowns slightly, glances back to the figurine in his hands.
"Odd nickname for a pretty young girl, don't you think?" he comments. I reach out my hand, palm up, for the figurine.
"It's short for Tobiou," I explain. He smiles knowingly.
"The old word for a flying fish, isn't it? And Kuria…clear winged." He holds up the figurine , eyebrows raised and smile broadening. "Appropriate." He places it delicately in my palm, and I drop it back into the pocket of my pants, safe.
"Thank you." I'm not really sure it's the appropriate response, but he nods before pointing toward my pocket.
"Clam's work, isn't it?" My eyebrows go up, surprised. He remembers Clam? I nod and his smile is back. He shakes his head with a soft chuckle. "Aw, he hasn't changed. Still making those things…"
"Oh, Finnick!" Blye's voice interjects. I turn in my chair, take in her absurd black and yellow outfit as she approaches. "I see you've met Kuria," she gestures to me and Finnick nods.
"Indeed I have," he says, winks at me. "The Lady Tobi is positively charming." Blye nods, pulls Oscar out from behind her voluminous skirts.
"This is your other tribute—Oscar Tigerfish." Oscar nods timidly, and Finnick reaches out to take the boy's hand in a firm shake.
"Tigerfish, huh? Good, strong name." Oscar offers the shadow of a smile, takes the seat next to me as Blye takes the one next to Finnick. I frown.
"Aren't we supposed to have two mentors?" I ask. A flicker of something dark, unreadable, passes over Finnick's features.
"Annie is…indisposed." He answers vaguely. Then I remember. Annie…victor of the 70th hunger games. The one who won because there was a flood…and then went insane. I cast Finnick a sad look, remember that supposedly he and Annie were in love. He meets my eyes, and I mouth an apology. I know it's not enough-I've heard the rumors, and he's had more pain than his beloved's state of mind. Still, he offers a brave smile and a shrug before the moment is broken by Blye digging into breakfast.
I turn to my plate, begin picking at the strange foods arranged on it. The look on Finnick's face has conveyed one thing most clearly: I haven't seen anything, yet.
Yeah...like I said, short. Hopefully the next chapter will make up for it...a little. Anyway, as it says up top, I just edited this chapter. Let me know if there's anything I missed, or just things you think could/should be done other ways...or feel free to offer suggestions...or compliments? Haha-anything is fine. I just crave reviews, because I like to pretend that I'm really good at this stuff, and reviews make that a lot easier. ;P