Phoenix Rise

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Chapter 15: Play in the parade

I sat in a salon chair as the prep team worked on my body making look humanely as possible before the large crowd of the Capitol. Who seeks on the entertainment of the Lady of fire make her debuted once more. The attachment became so hard to bear with Octavia, Flavius, and Venia as they held ordeal amongst their emotions in losing their gateway of events. Or that how Gale would put it. They removed every hair off my body, scrubbing me raw, and cleaned my hair. As they cried over me drowning me in tears, except Octavia; for she whimpered now and then while trimming my hair. However, I noticed she was staring at my reflection, around my chest. I snug the robe a little closer insecure of the attention than I was before last year.

I was emotionally exhausted by the time Cinna came into the room. Sitting in the chair while looking at my reflection unable to see me but another person. How she looked tired with bags under her eyes, skin much paler and lips chap. Cinna stood behind me and placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Had a damp morning?" he asked with a smile.

"Something along those lines," I sighed wiping the almost tear away. I stood up and looked at Cinna to see how actually alike we were. How we could control our emotions around those who shouldn't see.

Cinna nodded reading my mind as he wrapped an arm around my shoulder and lead me to lunch. "Don't worry. I always channel my emotion into my work. That way I don't hurt anyone but myself."

"I know how you feel," as I sat down on the couch and start making some tea. "Better to have a hobby instead of expressing it. Just like crushing the leaf, pounding it till its dust. Can you talk to them? There is enough drama already."

"I know. I'll talk to them," Cinna said.

"Thank you," I said and handed Cinna his cup of tea.

Lunch goes by peacefully eating Katsudon; strips of pork coated while fried with egg, peas, mushroom, and onion on top of white rice. As for dessert was chocolate. The sweet favor was strong that I hold it y my mouth before tears started to fall as I curled up and continued to eat it. Thinking of the past of eating sweets, to eat Cake with the Hawthorne, Everdeen, and Uncle Mark after Gale and I won the three legged race. Cinna had to order another slice of cake as I continue to wallow in misery, thinking of the sparkling cake Cinna brought a year ago. How the spirit set it on fire.

"So, what is the costume for the opening ceremony?" I asked feeling sick from the awful sweet chocolate. "Minors or more flames?"

"Something along those lines," he said.

"To make an impression," I murmured.

"As always," Cinna agreed with his deviant smile.

I chuckled and finished my tea. Once we were done it was time to get into costume for the opening ceremonies, the prep team showed up but Cinna assured them they did a spectacular job there was nothing else needed. I know it's bad to deny their support, but there was too much to bear at the moment. Cinna closed the door and went back to work, starting with my hair. It was longer then it was last year as Cinna braid the sides of my head in French braids that we tied in the back to create a bun while the top was smooth going down where he straiten it. Next he did my makeup; unlike the last ceremony where he did a fair amount so the audience could recognize me when entering the arena. However, my face was now dramatic in a dark way that was close to gothic. High arching eyebrows, sharp cheek bones, smoldering dark eyes, deep purple lips, and a ruby binidi on my forehead in shape of a tear drop while diamonds go above my eyebrows.

The costume looked significantly close to the fist leather jumpsuit from before. Though instead zipped up to the neck, it was unzipped to my chest showing cleavage. This was now easier to breathe then it was before, as my medallion rested center on my chest. Cinna held a neutral face, touching the mockingjay then placed a black tiara on my head. Almost similar to the silver victors crown only the metal was black. Black as coal. When he adjusted the lights to mimic the evening sky and pressed a button inside the fabric on my wrist. Curious, I looked down to find the outfit was glowing. Glowing in a motion like ember, like coal tossed in dying flame in blue, red, orange, and yellow. Stronger around my legs though becomes faint in the top. To become ember from the hearth of a safe home in a corner.

"Amazing," I whispered amazed.

"Portia and I spent a lot of hour watching fire," Cinna announced. "Now look at yourself."

He turned me around to face the mirror so I can see my reflection. No longer do I see the peaceful girl from a tea shop anymore nor a young woman. Before me in the reflection was the fair opposite unearthly being who rose from the ashes of fire. Someone born from the abyss of the earth like lava molten from a volcano. For the person in the reflection who wore her black crown of divine power, skin illuminating in power, as her aura cast shadows amongst her face deviant apportion was her: Lady of Fire. But what comes from flames are the ember's that create her being. Her rage no longer with stand candles or the fireplace, but a mass destruction.

'From the ashes of fire shall be awoken…'

A quote from a book Uncle Mark used read to me. With her piercing green eyes she as deadly. Deadly as fire and all that burns in her blaze.

A smirk curled my lips, "Perfect."

"Yes, I think your days of pink lipstick and ribbons are behind you," Cinna said as he touch the button on my wrist, extinguishing the light. "Let's not run down your power pack. When you're on the chariot this time, no waving, no smiling. I just want you to look straight ahead, as if the entire audience is beneath your notice."

"Something that Gale's good at," I chuckled before touching my medallion to gaze at the mockingjay. "And something I have a feeling I would accomplish as well."

Cinna placed a hand on my shoulder and kissed him top of my head. "Good."

.o0o.

My father once told me 'an enemy of my enemy is my friend.' That was something tributes would use from the careers to the underdogs. The same quote Thresh said to me one time in training, or that was what Rue murmur when alone in the climbing station. But coming down to the ground floor of the Remake Center, I find Mentors and victors/tributes huddle about in simple conversation. Strange way for people could have a conversation before the Opening Ceremony. before things becomes betrayal in the arena. How the victors known each other since their victory for the past seventy-three years; amongst those of twenty-four. Slightly shy around these experience groups and unable to find Haymitch or Gale; I headed towards District 12 chariot.

I petted the cobalt horse's neck, fascinated about these strong Olympic creatures. Until I hear a crunch next to my ear. I stiffen, clenching my fingers in knowing it would be a tribute to try to talk to me. As I turn around to glare at sea green eyes belonging to Finnick Odair. He was a mere inches from my face as he popped a sugar cubed into his mouth and lean against the chariot.

"Hello, Siobhan," He greeted like we known each other.

"Hello, Finnick," I replied casually feeling somewhat annoyed for some apparent reason. Probably because of his record in being the, Capitol womanizer? Though mom would say 'never judge a book by its cover' however this was Finnick Odair. Including the lack of clothing he was in. As he was practically naked except the lower region. Though chisel and tone he maybe, I seen much better figures.

"Want a sugar cube?" he asked, offering a hand that held a sugar cube. "They're supposed to be for the horses, but who cares? They've got years to eat sugar whereas you and I…well, if we have something sweet, we better grab it quick."

Grabbing the sugar cube seeing the expectation in his eyes only to fade when I gave it to the horse. I was probably eight when Finnick Odair won the sixty-fifth Hunger Games, making him legend. A tribute from district four as the age of fourteen, making him the youngest victor around, including Career. Though whoopee for him to get better supplies while other underdogs where lucky to fetch a simple pack and escape the bloodbath. Although, during the games he received golden trident as a gift from his mentor and sponsors, being a sneaky shark in the arena before the other could realized it. Mark used to say during that game, Finnick was a gladiator. How he mend the nets to trap his opponents and stab them with the trident in quickest death.

If Victory didn't caught the Capitol citizen's attention than his handsome looks. Him being Tall, athletic, with golden skin, and bronze color hair followed by unique eyes. However, the man didn't become a playboy until he was sixteen. Remembering Haymitch bragging about Finnick being chased by obsess fan-girl when his voice cracked from puberty. Now he goes on annual visit to please those sniffing whores. Whoa, where did that thought came from? Guess spending so much time with conservatives, Gale and Haymitch has left a mark on me?

"Had two slices of cake," I said petting the horse. "Though, your outfit on the other hand…"

Finnick wore a draped golden net that was strategically knotted at his groin region. Couldn't' practically call him naked, but it was close it could get on greisen sculptor. Probably a stunt from his stylist for the female population could see his goods.

"You're absolutely terrifying me in that getup. What happen to the elegant-sophisticated dresses?" he asked. He wet his lips with his tongue. Oh, trying to manipulate me with flirting and such. Two can play at that game. I was an Underwood after all. For those stunt may drive people crazy it doesn't work on me…unless it was Gale.

"Full of surprises." I murmur. "Never know what you will find under the wood."

Finnick takes the collar of my outfit and runs his finger over the leather fabric. "It's too bad about this Quell thing. You could have made out like bandit in the Capitol. Jewels, money, anything you wanted."

I scoffed, swatting his hand away, "None of those things interest me. Though what's more valuable than jewels or money is knowledge. Including the charity on helping others. What do you spend all you're funding on, Mr. Odair?"

"Oh, I haven't dealt in anything as common as money for years." Finnick said. "I hold the same…lust as you."

"I think you're talking to the wrong person." As I lifted my hand to show the snare-ring that announced I was engage. "Although, what could be similar in my quench of knowledge?"

"With secret," he said softly. He lean his head in, grabbing my left hand while lips nearly close to mine. I held a neutral face, un-phased by this action for he was not the person who can make fluster. "What about you, Lady of fire? Do you have any secrets worth my time?"

I smile wickedly and grabbed his hand, yanking it away while pressing my thumb into his wrist on a pressure point. He remains calmed though a small smirk race his lips. I chuckled. "Yes, more secrets that would start a riot, Mr. Odair. However, if I told you…I might have to kill you. Like I said before, you never know what lies under the wood. Might be nothing or something that'll bite you in the ass?"

Finnick laughed pulling away. "Now I'm interested." Then his eyes wonder to the side. "Gale's coming. Sorry you have to cancel your wedding. I know how devastating that must be for you."

With that said he tossed another sugar cube in his mouth and walked away.

.o0o.

Gale's POV

I walked around the remake center searching for Siobhan. When I found her by the chariot having a conversation with Odair. I growl in seeing how close that Finnick was close to my. though seeing her hold her Pokerfaced and giving him the Underwood glare tells me she's not interested. But still, I didn't like how close he was to her. Doesn't he fucking know she's taken while countless women wait for him? Like a hound taking a bitch.

Whatever Siobhan said made him laugh and spotted me. He smirks, saying something before he left. I walked up to Siobhan and mentally groan in her outfit. It was tight like second skin on her while her cleavage exposed more than any cleavage cuts. Unlike mine with paulders on my shoulders that layer out. Siobhan sighed and turned around to face me. That entire smug look vanished and smirks lamely as she examines me thoroughly. I like the attention and knowing what she want but couldn't have. Like I want to take her somewhere and ravish her, moaning my name. God, focus Gale.

"What did Odair want?" I asked.

She shook her head and pouted disappointedly. "Came to offer a sugar cube and secrets," saying seductively imitating Odair. She stands on her toes reaching my ear and purred. "Why, are ya jealous?"

I scoffed, "No, just saw how uncomfortable you looked."

Siobhan chuckled stepping back, taking a strand of hair a curling it. "Really. Well, just so you know, he's not my type. I don't do playboys."

I smirked, leaning down and wrapped my arms around her, bringing her close to my form trap. She giggled leaning back while I rested my head on her neck nipping her ear. "Then what is your type?"

She turned around and faced me, wrapping her arms around my neck. "I much prefer the bad boy type. And besides, I'm married to a Hawthorne."

Suddenly she scowled. "We might have become like him…if only one of us won."

I know what she meant. Starring at the other victors to see their popularity on the television for the capitol. "Yeah, part of some damn freak show."

"Yeah, Mr. Hawthorne," She muttered smacking me upside the head hard. I let go of her and rubbed my poorly abused head. "You and your eye on pretty things."

What the hell! When did she become so moody? One minute I was jealous over Finnick and now she's angry over some stupid assumption. I took her left hand and entwine with my own. "Hey, I had my eye's set on you since I learn girls don't have cooties. I love you and you alone. You know that?"

Siobhan sigh and nodded, throwing her arms around my neck, and press her lips on mine. I hold her face and kissed her back. Pressing the distant until it was gone, having her pinned to the chariot. She gasped, wrapping her right leg around my waist while opening her mouth a little for entrances. God, she was so perfect in anyway. So long since we last physically touch each other like this. However, reality had to be an ass and ruin a moment as the music started and the doors open to hear the damn cheers of idiots. We pulled apart and straighten our costume. Being a gentleman I offered an arm. "Shall we, milady?"

She chuckled wrapping her arm around mine. "Certainly, kind sir."

I helped her up on the Chariot which she offered an arm for me to get up. Portia said to not be all at it and stare straight ahead. After she showed me how the suit can do. "Know about the suit?"

"Yes, Cinna was pleased about the work he and Portia did. Time to be a bitch and asshole." Siobhan said casually and pressed the button on her wrist illuminating her figure.

I chuckled and kissed her cheek. "I love it when you talk like that."

"Chip off the old block," She sighed and took a deep breath becoming the Lady of fire.

I sighed too. She spends most of her life raise by two-three guys. Liam, Mark, and Haymitch after her mother Lucy died from the influence epidemic. Soon Liam died along with my father and Katniss father in the mines. How nurture stays in our personality from the people who took care of us, took care of her in order to survive. If this Quell was different and we were both spare, we would had a life we ever wanted. To spend three-fourths of the year with no worry about the game.

I took a deep breath and put a mask of serious pride on my face. Quietly sneaking my hand towards Siobhan entwining our fingers. She with her serious triumph mask squeezed my hand in return.

"Don't let me fall," she whispered as the Chariot moved towards the parade.

"Never," I replied back.

The pre-games began.

.o0o.

I'll admit there are things I've seen and stuff I do out of the ordinary. But to see the other victor/tributes in their costume was hard to keep a straight face from laughing at them in how ridicules they look. From the closes people I could see that was downright wrong was District 10, who were dressed as cows with flame belt. I would had lean over to Siobhan and whisper 'medium or well done,' but she held a determine look and stared forward. Smirking at my girls act, I joined her ignoring the hysteria of the crowds like they were nothing.

Though I caught a glimpse of us on a screen and notice, how deviant and dark we looked comparing to last year's costume. Instead of being proud of coming here with burning passion, we appear to be almighty and powerful, if not dark all the same. No longer the charades. We from District 12 suffer so much in their game and gain so little of victory doesn't seek attention. Not from fans who beg for smiles, or kisses. We are expressing ourselves Divergent and unforgiving.

And let me say, being an ass to them feels good.

Once we reached the end, I squeezed tight on Siobhan hand as we stand before President Snow. I glared at the old man; wising stares can kill a person as he rose from his pedestal. The music stop and he began his speech.

"Welcome! We salute your courage and your sacrifice and we wish you Happy Hunger Games!" President Snow said. "And so it was decreed that each year, the various districts of Panem would offer up in tribute, one young man and woman to fight to the death in a pageant of honor, courage and sacrifice..."

He continued his speech until the anthem played. Afterwards we enter the Training Center and waited till the doors closed behind us. Siobhan exhale slouching a bit as did I. Now we can relax for now. Cinna, Portia, and Haymitch walked over pleased about our performance. Though Haymitch brings over the tributes from District 11. Déjà vu all over again: to remember Rue bumping into me out of curiosity. I sighed, trying to shake that memory away by helping Siobhan off the Chariot. This time she didn't trip over those heels.

Chaff was seen before sharing bottles with Haymitch on television. Him having dark skin and hair, standing about six feet and missing a hand. Probably from his game thirty years ago and denied and artificial gifts. The woman, Seeder who held a seam appearance except with golden eyes walked over to Siobhan. They both held their breath unable to say a word until Seeder hugged Siobhan.

"Are they… the family?" Siobhan asked.

"They're alive," Seeder assure letting go.

All of the sudden Chaff throws his arm around Siobhan and gave her a kiss on the mouth. My fist clench about to punch the bastard only to see Siobhan slapped him off her. She panted furiously red while both Chaff and Haymitch laughed. Though I should be furious the man kissed my fiancé, but I couldn't help but snicker. Anyway, I wrapped arm around Siobhan waist and lead her towards the elevator before the Capitol attendants force us. As we enter, a woman dress as a tree shoved me to get inside. She was Johanna Mason, one of the recent Victors from District 7. Lumbering and trees, bet that make an easy costume. Siobhan stiffen, that I realized she killed this woman tribute. I rubbed Siobhan back and whispered in her ear that she was safe.

Johanna ruffles her spiky hair and stares at us. "Isn't my costume awful? My stylist's the biggest idiot in the Capitol. Our tributes have been trees for forty years under her. Wish I'd gotten Cinna. You look fantastic."

I gawked. Wasn't this supposed to be the mad woman who faked herself to be vulnerable? Thinking this was one of her schemes and not trusting her, I glared at this Girl talk she was performing in front of Siobhan. Siobhan nervously chuckled. "Yeah, though I don't think you can take his mad man mind."

Johanna burst out a laugh then did the unthinkable. She stripped herself from her tree costume and stand before us naked. I gulped quickly averting my eyes from her and focused on somewhere else. I looked at Siobhan, surprised she was okay with a naked woman in the room. That Johanna walked up towards us smirking.

"How can you breathe in that thing?" Johann asked grabbing Siobhan zipper and lowering it down. I gulped as the zipper exposes her entire chest down to her belly button. Luckily Siobhan was wearing a bra…a black lace bra.

"Malnutrition can do that, though thanks for the unzip, easier to breathe now." Siobhan said with a smile. When Johanna and the other tribute leaved, leaving us alone Siobhan broke out laughing.

"What?" I asked turning to her trying to keep my eyes on hers.

"Nothing," she giggled and kissed me on the cheek. "I just love how faithful you are. Also seems we were in some test."

"Test?"

"Yeah, how they're acting like this. Finnick flirting with me along with Chaff kiss. As Johanna tried to test our innocent with nudity. You're so adorable when you're bashful," She said grabbing my cheek in a pinch. "A little fun joke on us."

"What?" Now I'm totally confused.

"Bet you prefer me naked in the elevator." Siobhan snicker and zip up her jumpsuit. "Including when you clean me up in the arena. Boy, aren't you so adorable and cute. Afraid in seeing naked woman."

"Hey," I exclaimed.

"Love you too," Siobhan giggled and kissed me on the cheek. Guess Siobhan ate a lot of protein in order to be this happy. Just like in the cave and she ate lamb stew, teasing about Effie manner boot camp. So giving up on the tease, I placed my hand on her hip and kissed her on the lips.

When the door open, Haymitch and Effie didn't look please. Seeing how intense Haymitch appeared on his worn face while Effie nervously bit her lip. The golden woman blinks and looked at us brightly. "Looks like they've got you a match set this year."

What did she mean, "A match set this year." Siobhan cocked her head confuse as we enter only she gasped in horror in the dining room. Quickly I joined her side to see what the matter is until I froze as well. The Avox girl from last year stood there head down with a new member next to her. He had the same red hair as well, until I notice his facial features that I stood still.

I knew him as I did with the Avox girl. However, he was from the district, someone who walked around the Hob, who flirts with Siobhan and Katniss while eating Greasy Sae's soup. To see the man who wore Peacekeeper uniform now in an Avox red uniform head knelt down.

The man who tried to save my life from whipping.

Darius

….;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;….

Hope you guys like the chapter.

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Silent wolf singer