What's Past is Prologue
It's dark.
The cracks of memories and repressed agony are whispering to her.
First she feels the cold in her fingertips but it quickly travels to the rest of her body. It ends in her eyes, her eyes that slowly lift.
Snow falls. It always does in these dreams, these nightmares.
"Will we meet through the pine?"
A puff of breath harshly swells from her lips as she spins around and straightens her back.
"Who is that?!"
"The leaves are green and fine."
Her heart thumps against her chest. She needs to run. She needs to move. This is something she knows.
When her feet push against the ground a cry breaks through the cold. She's clawing at the walls, at the earth, anything she can find.
A fire near the horizon is waiting for her, taunting her with its wild blazes.
It isn't until she reaches the edge of the dancing flames that she stops and hears it.
A cannon booms. A cannon, so familiar and clear.
"Will we meet through the pine?"
Painfully she looks into the flares. Initially it's just another fire, but through the wisps of heat she can see them…
Bodies.
Dead bodies.
One piled on top of the other.
They all look familiar, but there's only one that sticks out.
A scream of horror echoes from her as she drops to the ground and looks at his face.
"Dash!"
Her lips purse with a mournful whimper. Her hands bat at the flames, but they're too strong to overtake.
"Wake up!"
She gasps as, if on cue, his eyes open.
His big brown eyes look black as coal and reflect the fire.
"Will we meet through the pine?"
Her head shakes in disbelief and her hands clasp against her ears, "NO! Stop it!"
Unnaturally Dash's head tilts from left to right, "Isn't that what you sang? You sang for us?"
"I didn't mean to—"
"You're sorry?"
Tears are streaming down her cheeks, "Yes."
Another cannon booms.
Dash's dark eyes gleam sinisterly, "There goes another one. What are we going to do about you? Everywhere you go death follows."
Her lips are parted in horror.
"You always seem to kill us."
"No…"
"You couldn't save any of us. You didn't want to."
"Stop!"
"And now you're all alone."
The laugh that seethes out of Dash's mouth is coated in malice and darkness. It's haunting.
"You aren't my brother!"
"Pandora—Pandora get up!"
Something is breaking through the darkness.
Her eyes lift.
"How long do you think I have? A day? Maybe a year?"
Pandora eyes flutter, "Shut up."
"You murderer."
"I said shut up!"
"Pandora!"
Sterile air filled her lungs and her eyes flashed open. Her body lurched forward. She wasn't awake for more than a few seconds before she tasted her own bile.
"Oh my god," Catia whispered, backing away as Pandora leaned over to throw up.
"Pandora, you have to lay down," the voice felt distant but familiar.
"Lux?"
"Woah,"
Her eyes opened in exhaustion to see his arms reach for dangling body. She wince as he helped her back onto the sofa.
"Just lay down."
"I'm on the train?" Pandora whispered in confusion
"She's not going to make it to District 1," Vibia clucked, "She needs to rest more!"
"There isn't a choice, this is the only option. We're on a schedule!" Catia yelled back.
Suddenly Pandora felt the sting in her shoulder and her head.
"The man—"
Her eyes widened as she remembered the quick execution of her attacker. A single bullet sent him collapsing to the ground.
"Everything is alright," Lux quickly comforted, "We're out of there, you don't need to worry."
"He's dead?"
For a moment Pandora questioned the memory, was it another one of her nightmares?
Lux sadly peered to Catia and leaned away, "He wouldn't stand off, they had to shoot him."
"She needs to rest more!" Vibia insisted.
Pandora slowly sat up, dropping her eyes to her shoulder and rubbing her head. To her amazement she couldn't feel the gash on her head or see bruising along her collarbone and shoulder. There was only an aching sting.
"We had the medics take care of that," Caradoc suddenly chimed in.
With puzzlement she traced her skin, "My head, I was bleeding—I felt something crack in my shoulder."
"That's because the rock knocked your shoulder out of socket, the medics put that back in."
"How am I healed? I was bleeding and hurt. It's barely been a few hours, hasn't it?"
"Medicine straight from the Capitol," Catia explained, "Costs a pretty penny too, but anything for their Victor. Though to be fair there is still a little bit of a cut on your forehead from that fall."
"Luckily the camera crew cut the cameras before the attack," Lucius whispered, "Otherwise all of Panem would know what a martyr you are."
"Just because she's been healed doesn't mean she can't rest," Vibia interrupted, "She needs to rest. We should skip District 1. The medicine has some side affects."
"Side affects?"
She squinted her eyes at the windows. Judging by the position of the sun it was mid afternoon. The sunlight was so bright that it hurt to face.
"Vibia, we've been over this—if we don't show up to District 1 it will only make things worse," Caradoc quickly retorted.
"But—"
"No—" Pandora suddenly intruded, "No, Caradoc and Catia are right. I can do this."
In astonishment Vibia shook her head, "Pandora, you don't need to. Rest would be good for you."
Her lips curled in disgust, "I don't want to rest."
"Pandora—"
"I said I don't want to rest!"
Silence fell.
Although Pandora was well aware of the shock that overtook her entourage she ignored their looks and gasps. Her brow furrowed as she rose to her feet and sighed, "I should get dressed, we'll be there soon."
In shock, Caradoc nodded, "Of course. Of course we should."
Her legs felt weak but she refused help.
It didn't take long for them to dress her and redo her makeup and hair. Caradoc tossed her the clothing. It was a tightly fitted gold top with leather pants and boots. Her eyes stared at her reflection in scrutiny. It was hard to believe that only a few hours ago she was being thrown to the stone ground and attacked by an angry citizen.
"If you need some water—"
"I'm not thirsty," She whispered the lie.
Caradoc lowered the pitcher, peering at Vibia and Lucius, "Maybe you should sit."
Apparently he was feeling concerned, something that Pandora found dark humor in.
"If you continue to baby me. I will become very agitated, Caradoc."
Her words were harsh and severe. She couldn't hide it anymore. It was the last straw. Somehow she had managed to pull herself together but it dulling her emotions. She suddenly felt numb.
"You're upset about the man?"
"No."
"Pandora, dear, it's fine to be upset about what happened."
Slowly her eyes darkened and her posture straightened, "I already told you I'm not upset, can we drop it, dear?"
They were looking at her with sympathy. It bothered Pandora. She wanted to scream at them, to tell them she's dealt with far worse. Of course she was upset, of course she was thirsty and tired, but she wasn't weak. There would be no satisfaction had for the people of District 2. This afternoon they would see her on their screens, in their well-kept homes, and know that Pandora Sullivan is not weak, that death and blood don't affect her.
"District 1, coming up on it now!" An unfamiliar voice shouted through the door.
She adjusted the black earrings Caradoc gave her and cleared her throat, "We should go."
"Of—of course."
This time no one pushed her towards the exit. She didn't need to be pushed. Her eyes stared ahead with determination. She nodded to the camera crew and maneuvered her body in front of the doors.
District 1, luxury goods.
"Camera's on in…3…2…1."
Her lips drew upward effortlessly and her eyes turned to the cameras.
When the doors open the roar of applause blasted her.
Her feet confidently stepped on the platform and her eyes roved around the crowd. Instantly the camera crew surrounded her, filming and taking pictures. She made extra care to wink at the camera and wave before letting out a laugh.
If she was going to pretend, she was going to give it her all.
Without discretion she took a few steps forward and bowed to the mob that surrounded the platform.
District 1's buildings were constructed out of gleaming metal. In the afternoon sunlight it was blinding. The air smelt clean and icy. Just beyond the buildings the mountains, which nestled the Capitol, were just in view.
Pandora kept the smile on her face throughout the speech, accepting applause and gifts from the Mayor with feigned sincerity. Everyone, including the camera crew were going wild.
"It's like the opening ceremonies and interviews all over again!" Vibia exclaimed as they boarded the train and waved to the goodbye crowd. Evidently she had forgotten about everything that had happened in District 2.
"Marvelous speech! You had them going!" Lucius added, swinging the bottle of wine the Mayor gave Pandora in his hand.
Caradoc nodded quietly, adjusting his leather jacket as he lowered himself into the seat and stared at Pandora, "Our girl has some true talent."
The comment caused her to look at him. When they're eyes met she felt like ice.
The train pushed forward, surfing the rails high into the mountains. The Capitol was only an hour away.
"I'm going to get some rest before we enter the Capitol," Pandora said, calmly climbing to her feet, "Call me when we arrive."
She retreated into her cabin, but she didn't sleep. The fear of nightmares was too strong for her to enjoy any more rest. All she did was sit in front of the windows and stare. She watched as the sun slowly dropped from the sky. Gloom filled her compartment every time they traveled through a tunnel. Each time the train emerged the sky became darker and darker.
She hadn't realized how much time had passed until a single knock interrupted her thoughts.
Before she had a chance to respond she heard the doorknob turn.
"You're supposed to be resting."
Her knuckles pressed against her jaw. Her eyes dropped.
"I don't remember how to anymore."
"They're saying you're a true champion. Braving through the attack that happened today."
She could feel the motion of train.
"And what do you think?"
Lux Halstead let the door close as he stumbled to the nearest chair and blinked his glazy yellow eyes.
"You said his name."
"What?"
"In your sleep."
Suddenly her mouth was dry. Her eyes shifted to him. The blood was leeching out of her face. She knew exactly who he was.
"It was barely a whisper," he rasped.
Her heart pounded against her chest.
"I think you should leave."
"Marius was a fine fellow, I wish I had said that to him. I wish had said a lot more than I had."
Her hand dropped from her jaw. She could feel the bitterness filtering into her bones.
"I don't care how you feel about him, Lux."
A whisper of a laugh escaped him as he hunched forward and scratched at his neck, "You never say his name. Why?"
Her fingers drummed on the table, "Drop it."
"So that's how you deal with it? You just pretend it never happened. You'd rather be a puppet than a human being?"
Her brow furrowed. Rage instantly overtook every part of her body, "Get out!"
"You need to feel, Pandora. You need to feel or you'll never live again. Breathing doesn't mean living."
"This coming from a worthless morphling who can hardly go to bathroom without help?!"She could see his face go purple. The same familiar hue that she had seen from Lux when he was her mentor, "You can barely stand and you want to help me? Help yourself."
"You were attacked today by a man that would have killed you if someone hadn't helped. Pandora, you were in hysterics. You thought you were back in the arena. This is not healthy. I'm concerned!"
Suddenly she was on her feet, her eyes narrowed, "We haven't spoken in a year. The only thing you're concerned about is when you're going to get your next fix."
"You're trying to train yourself to feel numb. That's not how this is supposed to work. At some point you are going to start living a lie. Now, the rest of those fools may be okay with that, but I'm not and I know deep down you aren't either. I believe you are braver than that. Pretending you are fine is not the same as being fine."
"I don't need you're help!" The snarl was so sharp and livid that it caused Lux to draw back. Another scream roared from her as she grabbed a vase and threw it on the floor.
Strands of hair fell in front of her face as she panted for air and glowered, "I want you to leave."
"Pandora—"
"Leave!"
Without warning the door swung open.
Catia's silhouette lingered in the doorway.
"Am I interrupting anything?"
Pandora rubbed her head, instantly looking away.
Lux abruptly climbed to his feet and pushed past Catia, disappearing down the corridor.
"What's wrong with him?" Catia asked, perfecting her gold lips as she caught her reflection in the mirror.
Pandora was still pacing, "Where to begin?"
"Is that the crystal vase District 1's Mayor gave you?! It's completely ruined!"
"Catia," she was trying to steady her breath, "Is there something you need?"
"Well, what's got into you? You look flustered."
Pandora froze suddenly and placed her hands over her face, "What do you want, Catia?"
The Capitol escort's attention turned back to her reflection, "It's almost time."
Swiftly Pandora's eyes opened. Her hands dropped. She stared at Catia for moment before looking towards the windows. Past the glass were the city lights. At the rate the train was going, they'd be at Capitol very soon.
"You look surprised."
"The Capitol…"
"Yes! The fun is just beginning."
A dark laugh simmered from Pandora, if only Catia knew the truth of her own words.
She followed Catia through the train cars.
"Don't worry," Vibia assured her, "they won't really see you till the ball. Just a few waves from the car and smiles…always smiles."
"The ball?" Pandora asked curiously.
"A ball held in honor of you, the Capitol always holds one for the Victor."
The mountain breeze blew snow in as the train doors opened. Her hands grappled with the fabric of her coat as she was shepherded to the car. Her eyes widened at the sound of the cheering crowd.
The first stop they made was for Pandora to be made up for the grand feast and dance. The Capitol had set them up with a room and bath so that she could look her best for the festivities they had planned. It was opulent and frivolous, just as Pandora had remembered the Capitol to be.
Once they were tucked back in the car Catia started rambling again.
"Are you sure everything is fine between you and Lux?"
Pandora slinked into the shadow of the car and stared out the window. Her eyes lifted to the blinding ads. She caught sight of her own face on a few, moving and still pictures from the Hunger Games.
Pandora didn't reply to Catia's question. Instead her eyes remained on the scenery, on the crowds.
They were heading for the City Circle. Each street was just as crowded as the next. Just as Vibia had said, emerald green was everywhere. If it wasn't in the hair or makeup of the citizens, it was in their clothes and accessories. The car lurched forward slowly, letting every bit of the crowd catch a glimpse of the Victor's car. In the distance fireworks were lighting the night sky with explosions of colorful fire. Music filled the air.
Her heart chilled as they rounded the bend. The President's Mansion was only a few blocks away.
"Isn't this elegant?!" Catia whispered, "Look at all those roses."
They were just pulling into the mansion now.
White roses lined a red carpet, and even more petals were trickling down. Camera crews were set up along the way, waiting for Pandora's emergence.
"What a entrance you'll make."
The car stopped as a loud crescendo of music and applause shook her.
"Here we go!" Catia hissed with far too much merriment.
The door opened. Dazzling light fell into the car. Pandora took one final breath before stepping into the light and out of the vehicle.
The amount of flashes and screams that erupted were more than any of the Districts combined, but there was no time for bewilderment. Immediately, Pandora forced herself to smile and lift her hand. She grabbed the skirt of the gown and threw it behind her legs as she took the assured steps down the rose-laden carpet.
With all the excitement and frustration she had barely realized what she was wearing until she looked up to the screen surrounding the City Circle. Her violet gown stood out against fair skin. Her brown eyes dazzled with gold.
She should have felt like a champion, but she didn't.
The wind blew strands of her hair around her face as she moved closer and closer to the entry. It wasn't until she looked up that she saw the familiar face. Caesar Flickerman was waiting with his microphone in hand.
"Pandora Sullivan!"
He grabbed her hand as soon as she was close enough.
"We've been waiting a long time for you. How does it feel to be back in the spotlight?"
The camera crooned closer to them. Unlike all the other interviews of the past, these weren't to make an impression so she could escape death in the arena, this interview was to charm the crowd. Her smile broadened as she peered at Caesar.
"Daunting!" She quipped with a charismatic laugh.
He chuckled joyously and clapped, "You look beautiful tonight."
"As do you, I see you're still wearing your favorite Victor's colors," She playfully brushed the emerald fabric of his suit and winked at the camera.
"Favorite Victor? Pandora, that was supposed to be between you and me…" he continued to joke, leaning closer to her with the widest smile she had ever seen.
Cheers and whistles surrounded them.
"I must say you have left all of Panem begging for more! I, even, found myself counting down the days till your return to the Capitol."
"We'll it's a beautiful place. Though it could use a few more trees."
Caesar laughed, "Yes, well there are no shortage of trees in District 7."
Pandora briefly peered around to see her entourage being escorted into the mansion. Her eyes lingered on Lux. Briefly her smile wavered.
"I thought tonight would never get here. And now that I'm here with you I'm at a loss for questions."
Her eyes shifted back to Caesar.
Smile, she reminded herself, smile.
"So, what you're saying is you missed me?"
The playful question caused the entire City Circle to ignite in applause and chants.
Caesar's eyes darted around as he beamed a smile at the cameras, "Well, I think that answers the question. Pandora—thank you."
"No, thank you," She politely responded, ignoring his hand to hug him. She kissed him on the cheek as she had done for her closing interview the year before.
Her eyes closed as she walked through the falling rose petals and ascended the mansion's steps.
The banquet hall wasn't hard to find. Garlands and candles filled the marble faced and floored room. It was elaborate and intimidating.
As she entered applause erupted and cameras flashed, but slowly the cavernous room calmed down. The food was just as she remembered it, rich and heavy. Drinks and tonics of all kinds waited on trays and tables. In the center of the hall was a dance floor, filled with drunk and wild Capitol citizens.
Although Pandora hadn't seen the President, she was sure that he was present, waiting in the shadows for her.
She bantered and laughed when she was supposed to. Smiling at people she would otherwise loathe and exchanging pleasantries with complete strangers. At the appetizer table Artorius Flemming, the Head Gamemaker, caught her.
"Well, if it isn't Pandora Sullivan!"
Her eyes widened at the man's garish appearance, "Mr. Flemming," she managed to say, realizing instantly that they had never actually exchanged words.
"I've been waiting to talk to you."
"Oh? I can' t imagine why."
"Can't you? You're a celebrity."
Her lips curled as she took a sip of her drink and attempted a smile, "Thanks to you."
"I merely set up the games, it's really nothing."
The Flemming family was like Capitol royalty. Although Artorius wasn't as powerful as President Snow, he had just as many perks.
"I don't know about that," she slyly responded, "There was that whole toxic gas business, wasn't there?"
It was a calculated question. The toxic gas had killed Marius and Petro, it would have killed her if it wasn't for the serum President Snow had forced on Pandora. Her eyes narrowed at the surprised expression on the man's face.
"Well, yes—I mean—I suppose."
"That was a very clever trick," She continued, "A game changer."
Artorius's rosy cheeks suddenly became rosier. He mumbled something inaudible as he shoved some food into his mouth and chugged his tonic. It was grotesque for Pandora to watch, he ate as if he didn't know what starvation was.
He had just swallowed his last mouthful when he looked up and narrowed his eyes at someone behind Pandora, "Well if it isn't, Adric Pedersen!?"
She nearly spewed her drink. Her muscles tightened, "What did you just say?"
"Adric, come over here!"
She lowered her glass, glimpsing to her side just in time to see him.
His hair was blonder than she remembered. He wore the black uniform of an officer, but a youthful light lingered in his dark eyes. Suddenly she was a year younger, back on the platform of the Capitol.
Her hand instinctively moved to the bracelet on her wrist. Though Dash had given it to her, now every time she looked at it she saw Adric's face.
"Miss Sullivan," he said in surprise.
She speechless stared.
"I didn't know you two knew each other!" Artorius gaily exclaimed.
"We don't," Pandora managed, uncomfortably shifting away.
Adric clear his throat and tried to smile, "I'm afraid she's right, we only briefly met once or twice before."
"Yes, oh I see—well, I hear you got another medal. I'm sure Trajan is elated."
"My father does take pride in my accomplishments. Thank you, sir."
"Soon you'll be a General too."
Pandora dropped her eyes. Of course, Adric would be from a family of military officials.
"Not for a while. My father has some very large shoes to fill," He replied.
"My son refuses to even try on my shoes!"
"Well, Kol has always been a trouble-maker hasn't he?"
The comment made the Gamemaker belt a laugh out that hurt Pandora's ears.
Violins swelled, the song was changing.
Artorius hummed the melody and snatched another handful of appetizers, "Well, aren't you going to ask our Victor to dance?"
"No," Pandora harshly answered for Adric.
Adric peered at her, "I don't think that would be appropriate, Artorius."
"Nonsense, this song can't not be danced to!"
She tried to look away but she could feel the Head Gamemaker's eyes on her.
"I insist that you two dance."
She wanted to murder him right then and there. He was speaking as if he had room to insist anything from her.
"Perhaps we can get it on camera, that would make a lovely shot! The Victor dancing with one of our military."
Pandora eyes widened in terror.
Adric noticed and shook his head, "Artorius, no. I think you're frightening, Miss Sullivan."
"Ha! Rubbish, this flower has some thorns, I can tell."
Her jaw clenched. Anything would be better than listening to this man speak.
"Fine," she conceded.
"What?"
Pandora looked at Adric and put her glass down, "Are you going to ask me to dance or not?"
He tilted his head in shock, "I—are—do you want to dance?"
She slid her hand into his and practically led him to the dance floor.
Heart beats past. Adric silently led in the dance, ignoring the obvious bitterness in Pandora's posture and eyes. The violins and piano tangled into an intricate harmony.
"You didn't have to dance with me," He finally whispered.
She kept her eyes on anything but him, "It was better than continuing my discussion with that awful man."
"So I'm a step up from awful?"
She twitched her eyes to him in shock. He was making a joke. Adric wasn't looking at her, but he was smiling.
"He said your father was a general. Is that why you're an officer and you're only 18?"
"You remember my age?"
"You practically arrested me when I first arrived in the Capitol, it's hard to forget any of that. Of course, I remember."
"19."
"What?"
"I'm 19, now. A year has gone by, don't you remember?"
Her lips pursed at his sarcastic remark, "You haven't answered my question."
He spun her around, smirking as he pulled her back in.
"Oh, questions, right—yes. Yes, my father is a general. Whether that has anything to do with me being an officer, I have no clue…though I suppose what you're implying is correct."
Slowly Adric peered at the bracelet on her wrist for moment before looking away. Suddenly Pandora felt self-conscious. All she could think about was that morning on the platform. He had apologized, he had tried to show that he was sorry but there was no way Pandora could accept it. Even with the sincerity and kindness he had shown her in those few moments she couldn't forgive him. She hated everything that he was a part of, the Capitol, the tyranny. She hated all of it and in a way hated him.
"Why did you apologize to me?" the words left her lips before she could stop them.
"What?"
"I want to know why."
His dark eyes stared into hers. As she looked into tem she noticed they weren't dark brown, as she had thought, but hazel.
"Why?" She repeated. A rush of urgency flushed her cheeks.
"I apologized because I was sorry."
"Why should you be?"
"Because you lost a friend, it was obvious that you should blame me. I was the one that gave you the serum, I'm the reason you're still here and that boy isn't. Even though I didn't know what it would do, it's natural you'd blame me."
Cynicism tightened her lips and hardened her eyes. He was implying that he knew how she felt when there was no way he could know the depth of emotional turmoil the Games and the President had plunged her into.
"I don't think you're sorry at all."
Offense read in his eyes, but only a for brief moment.
"You must think I'm some kind of monster."
"Aren't you?"
With a final crescendo the song ended, but they remained in dancing poses. She could feel the apprehension in his fingers as he averted his gaze.
"I guess I must be," he whispered back.
Her brow furrowed at the response. A strange feeling overtook her. It was confusion mixed with puzzling guilt.
"You heard about what happened in District 2?"
"Everyone in the military department heard what happened there."
Her eyes dropped, "Why haven't you mentioned it?"
"I didn't think it was proper."
She was astounded. He was so stoic, so calm. Everything about his posture and appearance read as indifferent except his eyes. In his eyes she could see a glimmer of something, what it was she couldn't say, but the glimmer stared back at her mysteriously.
"He was shot, did you know that?"
Music burst from the orchestra near the windows. Suddenly they began moving again.
"I was aware."
"He didn't need to be shot."
She didn't know why she felt the need to defend her aggressor, perhaps it was her disgust with the Capitol, or maybe simply because she wanted to show up Adric.
"The man attacked you and you're giving him excuses?"
"He was in grief."
Playfulness left his eyes as he stared at her, "He deserved to die."
Pandora's lips parted in disgust, "Why? Because he wasn't worth anything to the Capitol?"
"Because he needed to be punished. He was going to kill you. Excuse me for saying, Miss Sullivan, but I don't think you understand…"
"Understand what?" She growled under her breath, narrowing her eyes, "I don't need to be taken care of, I don't need some self-entitled drone to shoot a man in the head when I get hurt."
Adric peered away. At first he looked shocked but slowly a smirk pulled on his lips. Pandora clenched her jaw, insulted that he was smiling at her anger.
"You put on a good show, don't you?" He suddenly asked through the smirk.
"Excuse me?"
He whirled her around, looking past her shoulder at something near the entrance, "It must be hard to pretend like you have. It must be exhausting."
"I don't need your pity."
"No, I don't think you do. You are—"
"I'm not brave," she quickly interrupted, estimating what was about to come out of his mouth. So many times she had been called brave, she was sick of it.
His eyes glanced down at her face and his brow creased, "I was going to say cunning. Bravery has nothing to do with pretense."
"I suppose you think you're brave because you wear an officer's uniform and medals?"
The smirk quickly turned into a smile. "No," he whispered, "No, I'm not brave. If I was then I would have never given you that serum."
The response took her off guard. Her eyes widened and her fingers tightened.
She had barely heard the song end before their feet stopped.
His dark hazel eyes darted around the banquet hall. It was as if Adric was watching for someone in the shadows. When his hands pulled away from Pandora he finally looked back to her and bowed his head. Something dawdled in his eyes, but he restrained it. Pandora could tell that he was well versed in restraint.
"Thank you for the dance, Miss Sullivan. I hope you have a good trip back to your District."
He was just about to turn away when she grabbed his wrist.
"Wait—"
His eyes twitched to her in surprise. His eyebrow arched.
Suddenly she was at a loss for words, "You heard me scream your name—I was—I screamed your name and you didn't help. Why didn't you help?"
She was referring to the arena, when Marius was going rabid from the gas, when everything was lost. She had called Adric's name but no help came.
His eyes scanned her face and in a matter of fact voice he said: "It was either you or the boy. I picked you."
"I didn't want it."
"I know…but I did."
He dropped his eyes and pulled his hand away.
"Goodbye, Pandora."
She tried to speak but nothing came out. Before she was able to part her lips he had disappeared into the dancing crowd. Urgently she twitched her eyes over the ornate dresses and extravagant decorations.
"Wait…" she whispered, lifting her dress to move, but something stopped her.
Her head jerked to the side, it was Caradoc.
"I'm afraid it's time to leave."
"But—"
"Ah," he raised his finger and shook his head, "Schedule remember."
"I don't care about the schedule."
"I'm shocked, I would have thought you'd want to leave this place as quickly as possible."
Pandora narrowed her eyes, "I need to do something."
"We all have something to do. Smile and wave goodbye. You'll be back soon enough."
A prickle quivered her spine. She allowed Caradoc to pull her through the dance floor. She searched for the eyes she knew were on her. Just before Pandora reached the edge of the corridor she caught sight of him.
The first thing she saw was the rose, so white and clean. Her eyes lifted to his face. A cruel smile formed on his lips as he raised his hand in silent wave.
"Pandora—let's go."
She gasped for air. Her eyes were glued to President Snow. A lifetime wasn't enough time to be away from Snow, let alone a year. He was staring right at her.
The expression was so discernible and incomparable that it made her growl. It was the look a wolf gives to his helpless prey. It was an expression of conquering.