CHAPTER NINE
BALLS AND BATTLES
As soon as we exit the train I am surprised. I expected screaming members of Capitol and past victors growling curses. Instead we walk down a long, white tunnel illuminated by light bulbs that hang on the walls.
We reach the end and enter a very large room filled with all the past victors from each district.
They chat among each other...until Finnick, Gem and I enter.
The chatter softens and they gaze at us, whispering to each other. Even the other District Four victors and their guests murmur about us.
Gem, Fin and I follow Malticia and the stylists to the far corner of the room where a man with short black hair and piercing grey eyes greets us with a kiss on both cheeks. I hide how startled I am and smile.
"I'm Brorie, Annie. I'd love to make small talk but we only have ten minutes till the grand entrances of this year's mentors and I still need to get you dressed," he smiles wrapping an arm around me and escorting me to a small room in the back.
The door locks behind me. I turn and face him. He sighs and runs his fingers through his hair.
"How you doing, Miss Cresta?"
His demeanor has completely changed. Two seconds ago, he was
all perky Capitol and now he's sort of sad and...well...for lack of a better word...normal.
"I'm fine. A little overwhelmed, but I'm fine..." I nod.
He approaches me and gestures to a large armchair. Cautiously, I take a seat. He sits opposite from me on the sofa.
"Listen, tonight is a lot more of a big deal than you imagined. This is going to be Capitol's first time seeing you. Tonight, you need to show them that you are not an ordinary girl from District Four-"
"But I AM an ordinary girl from District Four," I sigh.
"With that attitude you will never make it in Capitol. You need to have confidence. You are obviously NOT an ordinary girl from District Four. If you were an ordinary girl you wouldn't be with Finnick and you wouldn't be speaking to me. You'd be quiet and demure, nodding at everything I said or back at home crying over the one that got away. You're here right now. You're talking to everyone like you've known them forever. If you get some confidence, you're gonna make it."
He makes a good point. I stare at him and study his face. He's got honest eyes, but a stern mouth. Almost like the strict teacher who's always watching out for you but still is a bit tough.
"You've got to trust me. If you trust me, you'll pass their judgment with flying colors. Alright?" Brorie asks.
I make eye contact and feel a fiery sensation rising in me. A sensation urging me to show Capitol that I am worthy of their approval.
"Alright," I nod.
A small smile creeps on his lips.
"That's what I wanted to hear, Annie," he says, standing.
He walks to a closet and pulls out the most amazing dress I've ever laid eyes on.
It's long and shimmery just like Gem's.
I put it on with quivering limbs.
My dress is not just navy blue, it's navy blue with silver stripes going from the bottom and getting thinner until it reaches my hips. Thick straps hug my shoulders.
Brorie looks at me head on and nods in approval. He turns me by my shoulders and guides me to a full length mirror. I refuse to look.
"Look at yourself, Annie..." says Brorie.
With a deep breath through my nose, I look up at my reflection and can't even recognize myself.
My long, auburn hair is fluffy and curly, tied back at the sides in a complicated, and rippling down my bare back. My porcelain skin glows with a shimmer of peach on my cheeks. My lips are a deep, dark maroon and my eyelids are silver and blue.
My body is hugged by the gown, showing off all my curves. I look otherworldly.
"Now see if they doubt you, Annie," grins Brorie.
I look at him and smile slightly.
"Thanks."
He winks and looks at the watch on his wrist.
"You got four minutes. Let's go."
He takes my wrist and guides me to the door where he slips my coat back on and begins to button it.
"Remember to smile. Smile huge. Remember, you're with Finnick. The man you love. You're ecstatic. Okay? It shouldn't be too hard with him by your side," he says, with a stern look.
I nod vigorously as he opens the door and guides me out.
The other victors stare at me. All of them are lined up in their pairs by a large, red, double curtain. Guests of victors, past victors and stylists exit the room, heading to the ball.
I look at Malticia who stands with Gem talking and laughing. Over my shoulder I see Brorie looking at a projection of what seems to be the ball on the wall. He turns his eyes from it angrily, places a soft kiss on Gem and Malticia's cheeks, then also exits.
Now it's just this year's mentors, handlers and me.
The room is almost vacant of people, and in their place is an overwhelming air of anxiety.
I stand confused.
Do I enter with Finnick? Do I enter alone? Do I wait with the rest of Capitol?
I start backing up towards the exit, clumsily.
Malticia runs over to me, her heels clacking on the stone floor.
"Annie! Annie! What are you doing?" squeaks Malticia.
"I really don't know," I murmur.
"You enter with Finnick! Gem is entering alone. You and Finnick right after her!"
My breathing speeds.
What?
A grand entrance?
Normally, I wouldn't get stage fright. Before my mom died, I sang in concerts and at town parties, but right now I am flipping out.
I stand with my eyes wide looking for words to get out of this.
Malticia sighs and frowns at me.
"You'll do fine, Annie! You look amazing. Now go!" she says, giving me a brief hug.
A loud anthem begins, drums pound not only with the orchestra but in my head. My heart is beating loudly but I force myself to run in my silver heels toward Finnick.
Someone behind me pulls my coat off and I stumble up to Fin's side.
He looks over at me and smiles with a look of bewilderment on his face.
"Wow..."
I can't hear him over the music but I can read his lips. Looking into his eyes, my breathing becomes less rapid and my heart slows. I feel much better.
"District One's past victors and this past Hunger Games mentors: Rex Pastro and Delia Heckles!" the announcer calls.
Next goes two and three.
Finnick squeezes my hand. I meet his gaze.
"Smile," he mouths.
I nod and look ahead.
"District Four, Gem Nye!"
Gem glides out through the curtains and descends a grand staircase.
Oh, wow. A staircase. In heels.
Finnick help me...
"District Four, Victor Finnick Odair with Annie Cresta!"
Finnick takes my arm and guides me towards the steps. I force a giant smile, and look at all the people who roar with applause. They all have long lashes and bright dresses with multicolored hair.
So strange... Frightening almost.
The roar of the crowd echoes loudly as Finnick and I reach the bottom of the stairs. I begin to walk into the crowd and watch the others make their entrance but Finnick stops me.
"To the left, Annie," he whispers.
I look to see a man with a camera. I smile wider as the camera flashes and am stunned by the light. I blink a few times before Finnick gently escorts me to the other side of the stairs.
"Nicely done," Gem whispers.
I look over at her. She smiles warmly and nods once. I nod back at her.
"Thank you," I smile.
One task down... a million more to go...
PRESIDENT SNOW'S POV
I stand beside long time Game Maker, Percius Front. This is his last year as Game Maker before Seneca Crane takes over. Tonight that announcement will be made.
I look out the window of my room in the mansion where we are holding this Spur Speech Ball. Below I see all the past victors. Those we have changed, manipulated and threatened. It all sounds devious but how else do we maintain order?
They are all fire. A fire that could spread to every district causing them to overthrow us.
As long as we contain them, our numerical and financial superiority will be secure.
"What do you think of the girl? Finnick Odair's latest fling..." says Percius stroking his strong jaw with his feeble fingers.
I tilt my head observing her conversing with the citizens of Capitol. Judging by the look of concentration on their faces and the occasional laughter, she is wooing them all quite impressively.
"She's more than a fling, I think..." I remark.
Percius looks at her as well and sighs.
"This is not good, sir. One ordinary girl from District Four rises by working her way into a victor's heart, the rest of them will try to as well. Next thing you know, Capitol is overwhelmed with commoners and our entire way of life changes. Not to mention how persuasive those we love can be. The opinions of those we love become ours. I mean, it's no secret that Districts Three through Twelve are unhappy with us. Imagine them manipulating our victors... It's-"
"Trouble? Perhaps...but I DO see an upside. We'll make an example of Annie Cresta. We can use the girl to get Finnick to do anything for us, not to mention...we can throw her into the games... That should persuade other common people from cozying up to our victors. Plus, I don't think we need to worry about losing numerical superiority. You are right about the persuasion of their loves' opinions getting to them."
"So what do you propose?" Percius asks.
Annie begins to talk with more members of Capitol. Wooing them to love her with every word. Not even a victor...but already a spark in the making. A spark I must eliminate.
"I propose that Miss Cresta...becomes leverage...and a tribute..."
I look over to Percius who smirks and nods in agreement.
"And Finnick?"
"Easy. He watches. He thinks that he's saving her, but really...by being with her...he's killing her. No matter what he does...No matter how many orders he obeys...she's next. Then, let's see the victors be with commoners, and vice versa," I smile.
The solution is clear. I will win once more. Capitol is safe and so is our way of life.
FINNICK'S POV
"Annie! Annie, my dear!"
Annie and I look over our shoulders to see Malticia running towards us, wiggling her fingers high.
"I have fantastic news!"
I turn to tell the people we are speaking with that it was nice talking to them but we have to go...but Annie is already on it.
"It was a pleasure meeting you, but we have some obligations to attend to. Excuse us. I'm sure we'll talk later," she smiles.
The two people we were speaking with kiss us on both cheeks and leave our presence. Malticia stands before us, grinning ear to ear.
"Guess who has an interview on the Caesar Flickerman show tomorrow night!?" squeals Malticia.
Annie swallows and looks at me. I rub a comforting circle on her back.
"Who?" I ask curiously.
Annie snorts back laughter at my sarcasm.
"You two!"
"What? No!" I gape.
Annie looks over her shoulder, hiding her frantic laughing.
"Oh, yes! His seven o' clock show as a matter of fact! They just announced it twenty minutes ago and they've already sold out!"
Annie's head whips back around and her eyes bug out of her skull as she looks at Malticia who nods excitedly.
"150,000 members of Capitol wanting to find out about Annie Cresta and Finnick Odair! Or Fannie, as they're calling you," she shrugs, dreamily.
I groan and roll my eyes.
"For real? Fannie? Like an ass? Hear that, Annie? They know us as Ass..." I murmur, trying to lighten the mood.
It works, Annie looks at me and smiles.
"More good news!" Malticia sings.
"Joy..." sighs Annie.
"Someone wants to speak with Annie... Right away..."
Annie inclines her head curiously, but I already know the answer and deep down, so does she.
"President Snow!"
Annie's jaw drops ever so slightly.
"Right now?" she breathes.
Malticia nods. Annie looks at me with panicked eyes. I don't know what to say. What can I say? It's probably just a friendly chat? No way.
Malticia snatches Annie's wrist and begins to tug her through the crowd. Annie looks over her shoulder at me. All I can do is shrug.
"Where are they going? Did Annie have a hair fall out of place or something?" chuckles Gem, sipping some champagne.
"President Snow wants-wants to talk to Annie. Now," I stammer.
Gem's eyes snap from me to Annie who is now being taken up the steps and into the sponsor of this ball's mansion. God knows what painful conversation awaits Annie.
ANNIE'S POV
I am dragged down the hall by Malticia who can't stop gushing about what an honor this is for me. The heels make it difficult to walk but I push myself to go faster.
"Can this not wait till later?" I ask.
"No! He and Percius are about to make their speeches and then it's off to their homes for the next two days! If you do well now, he may want to speak with you again!" she explains.
We finally halt at one of the many doors on this floor. Malticia takes a deep breath, releases my wrist and links her arm with mine.
"Now, be calm..." she whispers.
She drums her long, manicured nails on the door a few times then takes my arm again.
The door opens to reveal Percius Front. He smiles warmly at us.
"Please, come in..." he smiles, cordially.
Malticia and I step in to see President Snow standing by the window, surveying the party.
"Good evening," he says looking from the party to us.
"Good evening, President Snow. What an honor," says Malticia, breathlessly.
She curtsies, bringing me down with her.
"Thank you, Malticia. It's nice to see you in person."
Malticia's face turns bright red and she smiles brightly.
"However, I would like to speak with Miss Cresta...in private," he says.
Malticia freezes and her eyes dart from me to Percius to the President.
"Of-of course..." Malticia stutters.
Slowly she releases my arm and curtsies once more before exiting with Percius.
Then it's just me and President Snow. He stares at me and slowly smiles. His eyes glimmer with a secret, I try not to look frightened or nervous.
"It's an honor to meet you, sir," I breathe.
He nods and motions for me to join him at the window. I walk across the dark red carpet and stand beside him.
"How are you, Miss Cresta?" he asks, eyes on me.
I make eye contact with him and my face gets hot. I'm talking to the President of Panem. The Hunger Games enforcer. THE President Snow. And for some reason, he wants to speak with me in private.
"I'm doing very, very well. Yourself?" I ask.
"Wonderful. Splendid."
We stand in awkward silence, staring out at the party. I can't help but speak.
"Am I in trouble?" I say with furrowed brows.
His cheek lifts as he smiles at my childish question.
"What is it you do in District Four, Miss Cresta?" he asks.
Any feelings of comfort I had when he smiled are gone. My question has been disregarded because the answer is obvious even though I don't know it. I shake myself from my paranoid thoughts and force a reply from my lips.
"Me and my father own a bait, tackle and fish shop. I weave the nets...scale the fish..." I say, still staring out the window with him.
He chuckles and looks at me. With a loud swallow I look at him.
"And now look at you... Hm? You're Finnick Odair's arm candy," he grins.
I find myself angry. Arm candy? Does he think I'm with Finnick solely for his wealth or fame? Maybe this is a test. Like Brorie said...maybe he's evaluating me. Seeing my reactions. Seeing if I can fit in here with the people of Capitol.
"I wouldn't say arm candy, but yes, the sudden transition is almost like a fairy tale," I say with a small laugh.
Any trace of humor on his face is gone.
"A fairy tale... Interesting simile, Miss Cresta..." he remarks, softly.
He crosses to a large chair behind a desk and takes a seat. Cordially, he gestures for me to sit in the chair across from the table. I slowly sit.
"I wouldn't use fairy tale as a comparison though..."
"What would you use?" I blurt.
He strokes his beard and leans on the desk with his elbows. He seems angry, disturbed, irritated, frightened and overjoyed all at once. A sort of anxious anticipation fuels this conversation we are having. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that this is not good.
"Extraordinary..." President Snow finally concludes.
I look down at my hands that fiddle, nervously in my lap and laugh softly.
"Yes, I suppose that would also be appropriate," I say.
"Do you have any reservations about being with Mr. Odair?"
This question shocks me. What kind of question is this? How do I even answer? Wow... If I say yes, I look like a tramp trying to get Finnick's wealth. If I say no I look like a dreamy eyed, school girl with a crush...
"You seem wise, Miss Cresta. Every question I ask, you seem to take and toss over the appropriate response whether it be honest or not... But trust me when I say, lies will do you no good here. I can tell whenever you are lying. And despite the notion in your mind that the right answers will get you and Finnick a happy ending, I must inform you that you are wrong. My mind is already made up and what we discuss here must never leave this room," he says, pursing his puffy lips.
I hide any and all fear, and sit up a bit straighter. Not out of respect but out of tension. I knew from the start that this was not going to be a friendly chat.
"I don't know your game, Miss Cresta, but I DO know your kind. Lacking in finances but still able to hold your own. Independent but only human so a help is needed but you're not always happy to accept it. A leader who knows when to follow. Smart. Witty. Clever. You know you are not high on the food chain like Districts One and Two, but you know that you are above Districts Eleven and Twelve. You've got it all figured out."
I really wish he'd just lay the news on me. All of these mind games are getting tiresome.
"Ah... You just want me to get right to the point. Alright, then. Well, let's start with the positive. Yes?"
I nod slowly.
"This relationship. It's good. Do you know why?"
"Um... Because it shows the districts how accepting Capitol is and welcoming too?" I ask.
He shakes his head and looks deeper into my eyes.
"Because you are my ace, Miss Cresta."
"Why?"
"Because Finnick loves you-"
"I wouldn't say that..." I murmur.
"Well, regardless of details he likes you enough to broadcast it all over Panem AND promise to protect you to the best of his ability. A promise he made in earnest, yes?"
"Yes..."
"You are my ace, Miss Cresta, because I can use you to get Finnick to do whatever needs to be done."
I'm slightly shocked. Not that he would do this but that he would admit it.
"I'm telling you this because I have a job for you."
"Which is?" I question.
"Help me. If I threaten to... Oh, I don't know... put you in the games? Tell Finnick just how scared you are and how important it is that he does what Capitol asks..." he shrugs.
I can't help but sneer a little, my jaw dropping.
"I'm sorry?" I ask, politely.
"I think you heard me fine, Annie," he replies darkly.
I don't like him calling me by my first name but I manage to swallow that. Not hard to considering what he's just told me.
"So if that's the good part of me being with him, what's the bad?" I ask.
He flinches as if he doesn't like me remembering that he said there were two parts to this. A small smile creeps onto his lips.
"I guess I have to tell you. I didn't want to but my loose lips have been known to sink ships," he chuckles.
I don't. I don't smile. My eyes focus on him intently.
"It's no secret that districts three through twelve think the Capitol is oppressive."
"Yes," I nod.
He leans back and stares at me with a smirk.
"Miss Cresta, if you don't mind me saying, you seem very average," comments Snow.
I don't get angry. There's no point. Not to mention, he isn't wrong.
"Those districts that have such a distaste for me and Capitol and our way of life, see an average, middle class girl from District Four living the high life with Finnick Odair just because she batted her eyelashes."
He's trying to get a rise out of me. He's close. My hot temper is boiling.
"Now, if they see you do this and suffer no consequences, what is to stop them from trying to live the high life too?"
"I'm sorry, consequences? Why would there be consequences for adapting to the same way of life as the person you're with?"
"Capitol is a high class, very exclusive part of Panem if we're being honest. And if we are to maintain this reputation in Panem, we need to preserve our race...so to speak."
"Your race being people who were born into Capitol or Hunger Games victors," I conclude.
He nods once before standing.
"Wasn't the attempt of preservation of race what destroyed North America?" I sneer.
"That's one of the many rumors. However, the people of North America didn't do this properly," replies Snow calmly.
President Snow waves his hand gesturing for me to join him at the window. We once again look out at the party.
"If you want to be with Finnick Odair and protect your father..." he warns.
My head whips in his direction quickly, but he remains staring at the party.
"I want you to adapt a persona. A brand that makes everyone see you as not an average girl so they will not attempt to join Capitol by sleeping their way to the top."
Now he's suggesting I'm some superficial whore? I breathe deeply through my nose and turn my eyes back to the ball, biting my tongue.
"By now you can probably tell that though Finnick is a flirt, his reputation of being a well, less than committed young man is entirely an act. An act to show the districts that to be a part of Capitol you have to act Capitol. So Finnick flirts and winks to keep up his image. I want you to show off this confidence I see in you and also, not be shy about your beauty. Flaunt it."
I feel awkward and upset. This old man is asking me to basically be a female Finnick and if I don't he will harm my dad.
I think about the circumstances.
I can act like this sex symbol he wants and have all of Panem see me as this new Annie, or I can let my dad get hurt. My district maybe.
What choice do I have?
The only people that matter to me though, are my father and Finnick. As long as they know the real me I should be pleased enough. Right?
"So if I don't become this...female version of Finnick, you'll harm my father? Is that what you're saying?"
Out of the corner of my eye I see his cheek lift in a sinister smile.
"Being a female Finnick might even keep your name out of the reaping..."
So now if I don't do this I'm going to be reaped and my dad and Finnick will be in danger.
What choice do I have?
"Do we have a deal, Miss Cresta?" President Snow asks facing me and offering his hand.
I politely shake his hand and we make eye contact. I can't help but sneer a little. I can tell my bottled up fury amuses him, by the glimmer in his eyes.
"Are we done here?" I snap.
He nods and releases my hand. Angrily I storm towards the door as fast as I can.
"And, Miss Cresta?" he calls as I am just about to exit.
I turn swiftly and incline my head, prompting him to continue. He doesn't face me. He continues to stare out the window.
"We should keep most of these details from Finnick. That is, if his safety is as important to you as your father's."
I glare at his back.
"Alright," I say.
I open the door and leave that pit of hell.
PRESIDENT SNOW'S POV
I watch Annie Cresta walk away. She's got fury and anguish in those eyes, but a sliver of hope remains for a promising future for her and Finnick. She doesn't know that despite whatever efforts she makes to appease all that I've asked of her, she will still participate in the next Hunger Games.
FINNICK'S POV
After Annie came back down I asked her what her talk with President Snow was about. She seemed a little rattled and I was concerned. She responded that it was just a little 'get to know you chat' and that it was very awkward.
She acted very odd the rest of the night. A sort of arrogance and, for lack of a better word, sexiness in everything she did.
Behind her big eyes lurked a sort of fury and sadness even though her smile suggested otherwise.
When we got back on the train to go to our penthouse in Capitol, Annie was very silent.
I tried to start various conversations but her responses lacked the usual wit she so easily presented before.
It was obvious Snow had said something to upset her.
We all sit in the lounge of our penthouse. It's late. Malticia and the stylists chat animatedly about the success of their designs, while Annie sits opposite of me on the couch. Her eyes are dead but very intense as if she's solving a math problem.
Annie leans her elbows on the knees of her dress she wore to the ball.
I lean forward and match her position. My head turns in her direction and I focus my eyes on her intently. She does not move.
"Annie..."
Slowly, she turns her eyes to mine and raises her brows.
"Yes?" she asks.
"What did he say to you?"
Her eyebrows furrow in confusion but I see through it.
"Who?"
"Annie, you know damn well who..." I say in a low voice.
She sighs and shakes her head.
"I think it's better if we discuss this in private," Annie whispers.
I nod and stand with her. We hold hands and head for the hallway.
"Are you guys not going to stay for drinks?" asks Malticia.
I turn around to explain but Annie beats me to it.
"I don't think you guys want to know why," Annie winks.
They all gawk and laugh. I can't help but gawk myself. This doesn't sound like my Annie. She begins to tug me down the dimly lit hall to my carriage. For once in my life I am speechless.
We walk into my room and Annie instantly releases my hand. She plops down on the bed and stares at her feet with tired, sad eyes.
"Annie, what happened in there? With Snow?" I question, sitting beside her.
She turns her eyes to me. They are teary, sad, exhausted and angry.
"He's afraid. He's afraid that more common people from the districts will try and cozy up to tributes to make their way into a better life at Capitol. Snow thinks because I'm so ordinary they will assume anyone can do it..." she says, her voice thick.
I'm suddenly angry. Annie is nowhere near ordinary.
"He wants me to put on an act. A persona. Sort of like a male you. Sexy and flirty and arrogant."
Tears stream down Annie's face. I wipe some away with my thumb and shake my head slowly.
"Well, at least he knows I'm sexy..." I say softly with a smile.
She laughs through her tears and turns her eyes to me. Annie is hiding something.
"Annie, what else did he say?"
She shakes her head.
"What else did he say?" I ask firmly.
Annie shakes her head again.
"Annie, I can't protect you if you don't tell me everything..."
"I wasn't even supposed to tell you THAT, Finnick," she sighs.
She refuses to meet my eyes, so I gently take her head in my hands and make her.
"Annie... Please..."
Annie takes a deep breath and takes my hands into her lap.
"If I don't live up to President Snow's expectations..."
Her breathing hitches and I nod urging her to continue.
"He's...He's going to put me in this year's Hunger Games..."
I begin to get short of breath. My throat is filled with screams of rage. Annie shakes her head and cradles her face in her hands. Soft sobs escape her lips.
Suddenly everything goes silent and I realize that her face is in her hands because I had dropped them. My whole body is numb. There's a high pitched squealing in my ears. I stand to my feet with wobbly legs. I hear nothing but an insane buzzing. Robotically, I exit the room and walk to an empty one, collapsing in a large chair. What a fool I was to tell Annie that I could protect her. Deep down I'd known I couldn't but I said it anyway because I was so drunk with love. And now, thanks to me, Annie's life is at risk.
My face feels hot. My head aches. The world disappears.
When I wake up, the sun has risen. There's a crick in my neck from sleeping in that chair all night. I stand too abruptly to my feet and stumble.
Annie.
Clumsily, I exit my room and walk down the hall. The train is silent so it must be early. Everyone is still asleep.
I finally arrive at the room Annie was in when I left her and enter. On the center of the bed lays Annie. Still in her dress from last night. Her head isn't on the pillow. She's not under the covers. I cross in front of her and look at her face. Tearstained. Eye makeup all over he cheeks. I hadn't meant to abandon her. I left to cool my temper and had passed out.
Disappointed in myself, I sit on the edge of the bed and sigh. What have I done?
A soft buzzing comes from somewhere in the room. I recognize it as the phone on its 'Do Not Disturb' setting that is automatically activated at ten every night. I walk to it and answer hesitantly.
"Hello?" I say softly.
"Finnick! I haven't heard from Annie since last night. How is she?"
Annie's father.
"Mr. Cresta, she's fine. She's actually asleep right now. We had a big party last night and she's exhausted."
I debate telling him the truth, but I honestly think that that's Annie's decision. Not mine.
He sighs loudly, his relief that she is fine, obvious.
"Alright, tell her to call me later. Promise me you'll take good care of her?" Mr. Cresta asks, gruffly.
My eyes wander to Annie, who sleeps soundly. So peaceful. So innocent. So perfect.
"Yes, sir."
A giant, lead ball of anxiety sinks into the pit of my stomach after I've said this. I realize what I've promised and remember all my doubts earlier about if I could accomplish this.
"Good man, Finnick. Goodbye," Mr. Cresta says.
We hang up and I collect myself with a deep breath.
I kneel by Annie's bedside and gently place my hands on hers, resting my chin on the edge of the bed. I soon find myself asleep again, preparing to indulge in nightmares that will reflect how our first day in Capitol will go.
"Up! Up! Up!"
I jerk awake to see Malticia standing in the doorway. Annie sits up too, slowly. Malticia involuntarily sneers at our appearances.
"I see neither of you bothered to get ready for bed last night..." she says with pursed lips.
I look over at Annie, who even just waking up, looks like a goddess. Her fiery hair in a series of waves, draping over her shoulder; the dark eye makeup that smears her cheeks only makes her luminescent skin glow more and her eyes shine brighter.
"Well, I was hoping you two could have a big breakfast to get you energized for your big day in Capitol, but I'm afraid if we want to be ready by the time we get there, the stylists need to get to work immediately," sighs Malticia.
Annie and I nod, stretching our tired limbs.
"Come, come, Finnick!" Malticia beckons, turning swiftly and heading for the door.
"Annie! I'll send the Landis and Crelia to you," she calls.
As I go to exit the room, I look at Annie who stares at me with exhausted eyes that maintain a certain spark of anxiety.
"Your dad called. He wants you to call him back," I murmur, scratching the back of my neck.
She nods slowly. I nod once, and leave gesturing that I'll see her later with a wave of my hand.
I walk away and don't look back.
ANNIE'S POV
I look at my reflection, struggling not to gape. My hair is wavy and shiny, piled on my head with tendrils falling all around my face. A pearly white with rosy blush on my cheeks and shimmering blue lipstick. I wear a hip hugging, grey skirt that goes just above my knees and a long sleeved shirt with holes patterned all over it to reveal a blue tank top.
The stylists slip a pair of high heels on me. I gawk, they are six inches high and sparkly.
Crelia offers me her hands with a warm smile, helping me to stand. Landis who had been holding the mirror before my face stands with me and shows me my face again.
"Aren't you gorgeous?" he smiles.
I myself can't believe my appearance. With all the weird makeup, I looked very Capitol. Not in a weird way. In a good way. Almost like Finnick.
"Hey, Malticia sent me to..."
Speak of the devil.
Finnick trails off as he looks at me up and down. A small smile cracks on his face. He wears a tight pair of black pants and a billowing blue shirt. His hair is mussed and sculpted to perfection.
"To?" I ask softly.
"To tell you th-that we'll be arriving in five minutes and going straight to Caesar's show. We-we won't be talking or even looking at the press..." Finnick stammers.
"Okay," I nod.
Finnick and I get a few final touches before Malticia struts in applauding that we've just arrived.
My heart suddenly pounds outside my chest. The stylists begin to usher us towards the train exit. Their excited squeals fade into soft murmurs as my whole world begins to shake. My vision blurry and my legs wobbly.
All the weight of the world is on my shoulders. A cannonball sits on my chest. This sexy persona I have been asked to adapt needs to start being presented in everything I do this instant.
My eyes slowly go down to my feet that seem to drag as we near the train's exit doors.
I'm shocked out of my reverie abruptly but someone's touch. My eyes flicker to my hand to see that Finnick has taken it in his.
All the excited noises are once again able to be heard. I look up at Finnick who offers me a warm smile.
We walk into a tunnel that is illuminated by fluorescent bulbs attached to the walls. I see a door up ahead with a sign on it.
As we near it I can see that it reads "CAESAR FLICKERMAN SHOW-BACKSTAGE-CAST AND CREW ONLY."
This is it. This is really it. The moment. My moment. Capitol is about to meet Annie Cresta.