The Night Moves

"Sit up more."

Pandora craned her face to the side and arched her back. The bright stage lights spilled across the floating platform. A sheen of black loomed in the backdrop, contrasting with her fair skin. Long strands of her dark hair cascaded past her shoulders as she stretched her legs out and parted her lips.

She was naked apart from an array of black diamonds the designers had decorated her body with.

A quick flash made her smoky eyes narrow.

"Part your lips more, lean forward….yes…now a little over…perfect!"

It was hard to concentrate on the director's words with everything that had been going on. Several weeks had passed since the night at Energy Corridor. Finnick's kiss lingered on her lips. Although they had done many other appearances since that night, he had only kissed her once and only so that the press could document it.

Within a few short hours after that first appearance, the Capitol had exploded with excitement and gossip. Finnick and Pandora were the talk of the town. She cringed at the thought of her family hearing about this, her only comfort was that the rumors wouldn't travel to District 7. It was meager and false comfort.

A confusing relationship blossomed between Finnick and Pandora after that night. A complicated relationship. In public the two acted like a couple, constantly near each other, laughing, and smiling. But in private…in private they remained distant and friendly. Pandora had her own burdens, and Finnick his. Fiction and truth was becoming muddled, nothing seemed real anymore. In this whole game that they had signed up for Pandora never fully grasped how much strain it would add to their friendship. She longed for the night on the beach, when Finnick had first called her his friend. But change was coming, constantly and unnervingly coming…all she could do was brave the stormy waters, even if that meant she would be swept away into the open and deadly sea.

Finnick had become increasingly silent in their private meetings. It was as if he wanted to speak but couldn't quite figure out how. Pandora wished she could get to the root of the issue, but truthfully she was afraid of what might be uncovered if she did. Afraid she might lose him.

They were together but separate. They were drained from pretending.

Even now, covered in only diamonds and smoky makeup Pandora could barely let herself breath. Every inhale felt like needles in her lungs.

Just as the camera flashed for the last time a creaking shudder reverberated through the studio. A slice of stale light fell into the room as the door opened. It was hard for her to catch a glimpse of the person, the stage lights were so blinding.

Her gaze landed on Caradoc' silhouette. He was looking towards the doors as well. She rubbed her lips together nervously as she watched Caradoc dart towards them.

"Fantastic!" The director shouted, "You're free to go, Miss Sullivan!"

Her eyes slyly shifted from the floor to the edge of the stage before she found her footing and tiptoed to the steps where assistants were waiting with a robe in hand.

"Thanks," she whispered, feeling the satin skim across her skin as she tied the robe.

She had only taken a few steps before Caradoc came into view, "You have a visitor."

She brushed her hair out of her face and arched her eyebrow. Dark spots were still blocking her vision.

"Who?"

"A solider—an officer. He says his name is Adric Pedersen."

Her eyes widened. Tension tightened her jaw. When she stepped onto the cold floor her teeth uncontrollably chattered.

Her eyes lifted just as she passed the photography equipment. Sure enough, Adric was standing near the doors. Surprisingly he wasn't wearing his uniform. He was in civilian clothing. Brown trousers and a blue shirt, but his short blond hair was still neatly parted to the side.

His eyes brightened when she approach.

"What are you doing here?" She quickly asked.

"So this is where the magic happens?"

"I don't know if you'd call it magic."

His smile broke, "Sorry about interrupting."

Her fingers fumbled with the sash of her robe, "It was finished…it doesn't matter," she whispered back.

A worker gave them a long stare as he passed. Adric's fading smile briefly faltered as he observed the worker from top to bottom. Pandora could see in his eyes that he was assessing the worker, more than likely a habit he developed from the military.

"Can we talk outside?"

"Caradoc won't like that."

"I can take care of him."

She crossed her arms, "Yea, right…I'm sure you can."

"Well?"

"Fine, but I only have a few minutes."

He pushed the door open, letting her go first before following.

The corridor was windowless and grey, with buzzing helium lights that slightly swung overhead in response to some phantom wind blowing through the narrow way.

"What is it?" Pandora finally spat out with a note of acid in her words.

His dark eyes moved to her face in surprise. He gave his shadow a glance before clearing his throat, "Look, I don't want to take up all your time—" from his pocket he pulled out an envelope, "—this is for you."

She arched her eyebrow. Judgingly her gaze shifted from the envelope to Adric, "You're writing me letters now?"

"No—" despite his rather reserved expression, Pandora could hear a hint of annoyance in his voice, "It's an invitation."

The paper was thick and heavy when she snatched it away from him. She handled it with care, eyeing her name in gold cursive letters scribbled onto the front.

"It's for the Military Ball—for tonight. I realize it's short notice but I couldn't—"

"Why are you giving this to me?"

"I'm inviting you. I get a medal tonight, several other officers, soldiers, and peacekeepers do too of course…but anyways, the Capitol honors us with a ball every year."

Pandora narrowed her eyes and took a step back. She looked insulted. A dark laugh escaped her, "What makes you think I'd be interested in that?"

"I just thought—"

"You just thought because I've been in the Capitol for a few months I'd want to support your pathetic display of military oppression? Real perceptive of you, Adric."

He was pursing his lips, restraining himself. Of course he could arrest Pandora, lock her up for insubordination, but she knew that would never happen. She was still important to President Snow, which meant that within reason she was untouchable. It was the only way she could rationalize Snow's tolerance for her sharp tongue and cold demeanor.

"Pandora, I'm just being nice."

"And what? You actually thought I'd want to go with you?"

His eyebrows rose to this, suddenly he laughed, "Of course not. You're with Finnick Odair if I'm not mistaken. "

She froze in shock, "Yes—I am."

"I do read the news, you know. Plus don't flatter yourself, kid…you're not my type."

Suddenly it occurred to Pandora that Adric had no idea about the deal, no idea that it was just a theater performance of a romance. Just another tool to feed the masses lies and sugarcoated entertainment.

She dropped her eyes to the ground, trying to ease herself away from her stirring thoughts.

"To tell you the truth I wasn't surprised when I heard about you two," he quickly added.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

For some reason his statement put her on the defense.

"It means what it sounds like. I'm not ridiculing you. You two look good together, it makes sense," he paused with thought, looking away abruptly, "You've both been through the same thing."

Her lips parted awkwardly. Again she was stunned. Adric's observant and surface shattering behavior was sometimes unsettling, but it wasn't just his words that left her speechless, it was the sincerity behind them. He believed what he was saying.

Pandora blinked her eyes coldly, trying to repress any humanizing thoughts about Adric. When she looked at him again her eyes had hardened.

"I don't even know if I'm suppose to go this stupid ball."

"I asked. Caradoc knows…since you seem so hell bent on pleasing him."

Her jaw clenched at his jab, "Yea right. Of course you did."

"Obviously you can bring Finnick. The invitation is for both of you. I had his delivered to him. President Snow thought it was a good idea, at least that's what my father said."

He gave her a brief once over before turning half way around and walking away.

"See you around," he added quietly.

Her eyes followed him.

"Adric!" she stared at him skeptically when he turned back around, "Why did you go to the trouble? It's not like it matters."

He seemed to think about this question for a while. His eyes danced around the hallway, finally landing her.

"You're part of the Capitol now, I thought—I thought it was appropriate."

His words made her cringe. The envelope in her hand crinkled harshly as she glared at him.

"You know we're not friends, Adric? You realize that, right?"

He furrowed his brow, abruptly letting out a toughened laugh before nodding, "Yea—" he was struggling for a response, "Well if you want to come, just come."

Pandora's words stuck in her throat before she could gather the thoughts for a response. She reached out to stop him but he was too fast. Before she knew it he was down the corridor and around the corner.

Her hand pressed against the side of her face. She felt foolish and cruel. Adric had promised Pandora that he would prove himself. He promised this when he escorted her from District 7 to the Capitol a few short months ago. When he told her she was now part of the Capitol she knew, deep down, it wasn't an insult. How could that be an insult to him? Adric was a loyal member of the Capitol. A part of her wanted to believe his sincerity and dedication, but Pandora couldn't forget about the past. The serum, Marius, the arena, and finally her own isolation from her District and family.

None of these were caused by Adric, and yet all of them were.

Her teeth violently nipped at her bottom lip.

"Damn it," she breathlessly whispered to herself.

Her lips pursed as she gave the studio door a kick and rushed past the stylists to her dressing room.

By the time she was out of her makeup and back into her normal clothing, she was ready to sleep.

Her eyes angrily peered to the sunny sky on the drive to her apartment. She just wanted it all to stop. She wanted to freeze time. It felt like everything was becoming more and more complicated. Finnick once told her that she can bend but she'd never break. Always Pandora had doubted this compliment, but now more than ever she felt like she was moving closer and closer to the cliff. A cliff with nothing beyond it but guilt, fear, and loneliness. In a way the thought gave her peace…to accept everything, to be swallowed by her own sins. Deep down she knew this was something she deserved. Deep down she wanted it to happen.

For as much hate she had placed on the Capitol and Snow, she hated herself even more. It was the repressing that was eating away at her. Corrosive repression, denial, and self-loathing.

She pushed past her apartment door and eyed the sofa. With a tired moan and sigh she sank into the cushions.

If it could just all stop for a moment, maybe she could be better, do better.

A nearby clock ticked and tocked a lullaby to her. She felt her legs relax, then her arms. Soon her eyes felt heavy.

Her last thought before falling asleep was a single phrase…so simple, and yet obscure and taunting…a single phrase, two syllables filled with remorse: I wish.

Slowly her eyes closed, darkness covered her.

"Pandora!"

She grumbled something in her sleep. Someone was shaking her.

"Wake up!"

Angrily she came to. Her eyes sluggishly opened. A mohawk and two small eyes were staring back at her.

"Caradoc?...Where am I?"

She peered around with confusion, there were more people walking through the room. It was night.

"Your apartment, obviously."

"What are you doing here?" sleep clung close to her words and eyes.

"The Military Ball—I'm here to get you ready, of course."

Suddenly she sat up. Her hands reached for the side of her face while her eyes twitched around, "What? I never agreed to go to that."

"You didn't have to. I was informed to come here, to fix you up. Luckily I just finished my latest gown, it's going to be stunning on you. "

"Who may I ask informed you to do this?"

He didn't need to answer the question, Pandora knew the answer. President Snow.

Her heart sank as Caradoc grabbed her arm and pulled her towards the bathroom. No doubt Finnick was undergoing similar treatment. The master puppeteer was busy at work making sure his dolls were painted.

Her chest felt heavy. Her eyes filled with contempt.

"Hurry, we only have an hour to get her outfit, makeup, and hair perfect. This is her first big function since her Victory Tour! No mistakes, you hear me!?" Caradoc barked at the styling team.

The team nodded swiftly with a hint of fear in their eyes.

After all the hustle and bustle Pandora was escorted downstairs. They were in the elevator when Caradoc finally managed to catch his breath and speak.

"Mr. Odair should be waiting outside," he pulled out a gold pocket watch and noted the time, "We're late."

Pandora remained silent. The mentioning of Finnick seemed to be the only silver lining of the night, everything else would be a living hell.

Her dress rustled as she moved towards the doors and peered out. Finnick's car was waiting outside.

Suddenly her hands were sweaty.

Pandora nervously looked around the street, hoping that there was no one there to see her in the dress and makeup. When the coast was clear she started moving.

Her brain registered the door opening and her feet scrambling to climb into the car, but it wasn't until she heard Finnick's voice that she remembered where they were going.

"You look nice."

Caradoc had fastened her into a haltered gown the color of a dusty rose. Its mermaid silhouette clung to her chest, stomach, and hips, slowly billowing out as it came closer to the floor. Diamonds lined the plunging neckline and twinkled in her ears. Her cheeks and eyes had been dusted with the same pink color as her dress and her hair had been left down with a deep part and long sleek waves.

Pandora glanced to him. He was wearing a suit with a long black tie. His hair was parted to the side. She had never seen him look so dressed up.

Her lips met in a whistle as she playfully dusted his suit jacket off, "Look at you."

He recoiled at her touch. Apprehension seeped from every inch of him.

"Yes, it's amazing the things that can be done when the Capitol put their minds to it."

"I feel like I can't breath," Pandora whispered back, pressing her hand against her stomach, "This dress is sucking the air out of me."

"Well, just as long as you don't make me look bad."

Through the darkness she smiled and shook her head, "Please…have we met?"

This lighthearted banter continued for only a few more moments. The closer they got to the President's mansion, the less they spoke. The progression wasn't fully done until they had entered the City Circle and made a sharp left turn, only then did Finnick turn his face to the windows and nervously sigh.

Though Pandora wasn't looking at him she could feel tension ooze off of Finnick. Something in the air was different tonight, something about him had changed.

The first signs of the ball were the increasing amounts of soldiers, politicians, and military officials. All were in their formal military garb or suits.

"Pandora…"

She peered through the darkness of the car to Finnick. He looked worried. His green eyes were wildly staring ahead.

"What is it, Finnick?"

"I need to tell you something…it's—"

"Here we are!" The driver suddenly interrupted.

The car rolled to a stop. Finnick drew back uncomfortably.

"Finnick? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, it's just—" his eyes moved to the mansion, "We should get out there."

"Are you sure?"

"Yea, let's get this over this…"

Press lined the white carpet leading to marble steps. But Pandora's attention was still on Finnick. She furrowed her brow, wondering why he couldn't look her in the eyes, why there was a note of urgency in his voice.

"We can wait here for a minute, if it's something that you need to tell me."

"No, I—" he let out a laugh, awkwardly staring at his hands, "It can wait."

"Okay…" she brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear, unsure it he meant what he was saying, "Alright."

Questions clouded her anxiety, but it was hard to focus on anything. To Pandora it felt like everything was happening so fast. She had just worked up the nerve to insist he tell her what was going on when she heard the door open.

Finnick was outside in a matter of seconds. Cameras began flashing.

Inwardly she reminded herself to put on the face of the happy romantic, to huddle close to Finnick. Her fingers trembled, deception and pretense were her strong suits but it was hard for her to play the hopeless romantic, or maybe it was hard because it was Finnick.

Her breath quaked as she mulled over Finnick's words

What was it that he needed to tell her?

A few seconds went by before he was opening her door. As she stepped out twice as many lights began flashing. The bright emissions dazzled her, though she becoming used to the publicity, the spotlight was still a scary place.

Instantly Finnick took her hand, guiding her to the white carpet.

Violin's music murmured through the crowd, the farther they strode down the long strip of white, the more obvious something became to Pandora. Her eyes lifted in thought. Unlike the Capitol events she had attended involving the Hunger Games, this was more austere, much more subtly elegant. Press was allowed at the front, but only there. Not even Caesar Flickerman was there to interview the people in attendance.

It was a party for the elite. The realization of his made her heart frost over in terror, made her forget about Finnick's mysterious behavior.

She craned her neck around in amazement as they past the threshold and entered the lion's den. Pandora had been to the President's Mansion for her Victory Tour but somehow it looked completely different.

The color scheme was white, black and gold. All around ink black banners with the gold Capitol crest billowed. Several military officials they passed disdainfully stared at Finnick and Pandora, while many of the politicians smiled.

The core of the elite caste was surrounding Pandora, a fact that made her feel uneasy and sick. It dawned on her immediately how out of place she truly was.

"Miss Sullivan!?"

Her eyes widened as she identified the voice.

"Is that you?!"

Artorius Flemming was already drunk. He chuckled to himself wildly. His blue curls bounced as he darted across the marble floor.

"Mr Flemming—How are you?"

"Splendid! Would you care for a drink?"

Pandora furrowed her brow as he leaned close to her face, she could smell the alcohol on his breath.

With a smile Finnick moved towards her and quietly whispered, "You're on your own with this one," into her ear.

"Wait! Finnick…"

She gritted her teeth. He had stealthily disappeared. Her eyes anxiously looked back to Artorius Flemming.

"Ha! I don't think I've seen any boy run faster than that!"

She tried to laugh with him but she sounded bewildered. Flemming shuffled closer to her and glanced at her dress.

"You look very pretty."

Her hands glided down the silky dress, "Thank you, sir."

"You know, I always knew you had it in you…since the moment you stepped into that training room."

Pandora quickly recalled the empty room and Flemming's shadow staring from above. She was supposed to be assessed that day for a pre-arena score, but the assessment never happened. President Snow made sure of that.

Her eyebrows lifted, her smile darkened, "How kind of you to say."

He seemed to catch onto her sarcasm, "Don't be so glum! There's much to celebrate!"

His hand shook as he grabbed an orange tonic from a passing waiter and lifted it high to the crystal ceiling, "To you!"

She bowed her head politely, never taking her eyes off him, "No, Mr. Flemming—to Panem."

A sheepish grin erupted on his face. He ambled over her calculated words with a nervous laugh, "Now, I see you and Finnick—"

Oh no, she thought.

Pandora knew exactly where this was going.

She clenched her jaw in preparation, ready to sell her fake relationship. But before Artorius could finish a voice broke through. It was melodic, with a tenor edge.

"Father!?"

Her eyes shifted to the side.

It was a young man. He had jet-black hair and bright blue eyes. He was rather tall with intensely chiseled bone structure. As he approached he gave Pandora a once over and reached out for his drunken father.

"Is he bothering you?"

Pandora stared at the young man in silence. Her eyes moved between Artorius and him for several seconds. They looked nothing alike except for a flush of alcohol in both their cheeks. It was obvious the young man held his liquor better than his father.

"Come now, boy!" Flemming swatted at his son, "Miss Sullivan, this is my son—Kol."

Kol casually brushed his black hair away from his face and smiled. The smile lit up his bone structure and eyes, "Kol Flemming. Pandora, right?"

She took his hand and shook it, "Yes."

"I've seen you all over the media. Can't say I don't know what that feels like…"

Her eyes widened in realization. Kol Flemming. Of course. He was another famous character of the press. Only now as he spoke did she place his face. He was a young elite, the Capitol Press had made him out to be a romancer. The sort of man who has a different girl every week. During her Victory Tour she had heard Artorius and Adric mention Kol but only now did she put the pieces together.

"Is everything alright?" he inquired, "Damn, you have quite a grip on you, huh?"

In embarrassment she released his hand and looked away, "Sorry."

He studied her with a boyish laugh, "Now I know what the other Tributes felt like in the arena."

"Another fan?" Pandora quipped.

"Nah. To be honest I was rooting for the other guy."

Her smile quickly fell, just as Kol's broadened.

"Kol!" Artorius swiftly scowled.

"Relax, father…Pandora doesn't mind. I can tell she's a good sport."

Her eyes tensely lingered on him, "Of course. It's always a pleasure to hear someone else's perspective."

Kol loosened his tie and winked, "Believe me, the pleasure is all mine."

"Koool!" His father drunkenly howled in disbelief.

Pandora corner-eyed the young man for a split second before straightening up and arching her eyebrow.

"It's fine, Mr. Flemming," she narrowed her eyes and slowly smirked at Kol, "Is that how you get all those girlfriends? A quick wink and sly remark? Hardly imaginative if you ask me."

To her surprise Kol seemed to enjoy the response.

He cleared his throat, trying to hide the growing smile on his face.

"Actually it doesn't even take that much most of the time. I'm working extra hard for you."

"Kol, Miss Sullivan is spoken for!"

The mentioning of this made Pandora's chest tighten.

"Oh yea…Finnick Odair, right? That Victor from District 4..." His blue eyes slowly moved up and down her body as he whistled, "Well…if you ever get bored I'm only a phone call away."

She scoffed so loud it made Artorius jump, "Wow. I'll be sure to remember that."

A devilish smile widened on his face. He sipped his drink slowly as he let his eyes drop to her body again, "You're spirited. What a likeable quality in a young woman."

A thousand insults filled her brain, "I wish I could say the same for you."

His eyes seemed to linger on her for only a heart beat before they shifted past her shoulder. His expression changed from playful to pleasantly surprised, "Adric!"

Pandora's muscles went rigid.

She felt a breeze before Adric reached her side. He was dress in the most formal Officer's uniform she had ever seen him in. Black fabric with gold buttons, full decorations, and bars. His new medal glimmered as he bowed to Artorius and nodded to Kol.

"I didn't know you had been introduced to Kol," he observed, eyeing Pandora.

"We were just getting acquainted," Kol responded for her.

"Regrettably," she added under her breath.

Adric grinned slowly, placing his hands behind his back.

"Nice medal, should I bite it to see if it's real gold?"

"Don't be jealous. It doesn't look good on you."

"Of you, Adric? Always."

Kol let out a dulcet laugh and patted Adric on the shoulder. In reply Adric laughed quietly, his smile growing.

"Congratulations, friend."

"Thank you, Kol."

The violins were swelling. People began flooding the marble dance floor. Pandora found herself looking for Finnick. Her eyes shifted around the crowd, but he was nowhere to be seen. He probably was hiding somewhere, waiting for the evening to end. Her lips parted. She wished she were with him.

When her eyes finally moved back, Artorius was hugging a column and Kol was jogging to help his father. Apparently the Head Gamemaker had his fill of alcohol for the evening.

Adric was still standing next to her. It took her a moment to realize he was watching her.

"You came," he said.

"It's not like I had a choice."

"Right," the conversation from earlier was still heavy in the air, "Well you look very nice."

"I feel like a doll."

He smiled at her darkly comical reply, "Where's Finnick?"

"Oh—" she could feel the blood rushing to her cheeks, "I think he's around here somewhere. I'm not really sure. When Artorius showed up he made his escape."

"Smart guy."

Pandora didn't return his smile.

"Would you like to dance?"

She took a step back and fearfully glanced to the dance floor.

"Just for a minute, I promise I'll let you find him after."

Her hesitation felt winded. She scratched her head in thought before looking into his eyes and slowly nodding.

"Alright…just for a minute."

A few people looked at them as they began dancing, their gazes made Pandora feel naked and uncomfortable. To distract herself she concentrated on the dance. It was proper, just like the one during the Victory Tour had been. A kind of waltz that required elegant posture and footwork.

Adric and Pandora never looked at each other the same time. Soon their eyes were also dancing. It was as if they were afraid to look each other straight in the face.

"You seemed chummy with Kol Flemming," Pandora finally investigated.

"Yes. We grew up together. He's quite the character."

"That's one word for it."

Adric looked down at her, "He's...precocious."

"He's an ass."

"Well, only to women. If that makes you feel better."

Pandora adjusted her hand in his and leaned away in aggravation.

"Don't worry about it, half of what he says he doesn't even mean. He just likes to get under people's skin."

"And what about you?"

She could feel his fingers flinch, "Pardon?"

"I mean don't you think it's all a little too much? You're pretending to be nice to me. President Snow probably paid you off to watch me."

"What?"

"Not to mention the fact that you keep ending up in the same places I do. Am I really supposed to believe that's a coincidence?"

"I exchange less than a few sentences with the President, what are you going on about?"

Determination glimmered in her eyes as Adric twirled her out and spun her back in.

"So it's a coincidence that I'm here, or that you happen to be around when I'm around?"

"Of course they aren't coincidences."

As usual, Adric's response surprised her.

"Then why?"

"I like you. I know you hate me, but that doesn't mean I can't like you. I want to be friends."

"Do you realize how pathetic that sounds?" She harshly spat back.

His dark eyes shifted around the room, "I honestly don't care if you think it's pathetic. It's the truth."

"Then you're just as pitiful as the rest of the Capitol."

He laughed, sending waves of anger trembling through Pandora's bones, "You can pretend all you want. I get it. It's what you're good at. Old habits die hard, right? But no matter…I'll be here, either way."

From the corner of her vision she noticed Finnick watching them, but her eyes remained on Adric.

"You're such a saint, Adric," she hissed.

When he looked back at her, intensity burned in his eyes.

"I know you hate me, Pandora. That much is obvious. But I also know you feel alone. I—I can't help the fact that I care…When I say I'll be here I don't mean that I'll be waiting on your acceptance and admiration, I mean that no matter what I'll be there to help you. Even if you hate me I'll be here. I don't think I need to justify that to you. You want so badly for me to be this monster you imagined in your head and I don't blame you for that. I told you I would prove myself, I meant it."

She speechlessly parted her lips.

"So what?" He continued, "Right? I can imagine what you're thinking. I'm a spoiled Capitol bastard who has devious plans, or evil intentions. I don't care. I know who I am, just as plainly as you know who you are—I know I'm not the villain and I know you realize that deep down."

"What do you know about me? Apart from a file a Capitol has. You don't know a thing."

She silently wondered if everyone around them could feel the hostility that was surfacing. Her eyes self-consciously darted around. Finnick was still at the edge of the dance floor.

"I never read that file, Pandora. I never wanted to. You aren't a piece of paper, you're a person."

"I think you're a liar. All that medal on their chest proves is that you're a murderer."

"And all your Victory proves is that you're a murderer."

Her grasp in his hand tightened suddenly. All the nerves in her body began buzzing with adrenaline and anger. There it was, the trigger, the one thing he could have said to set her off.

"Yes, except I never volunteered…I did what I had to. You think you're better than me?"

"No—"

"Of course you do. You want to talk about suffocated feelings? Look at yourself. You probably think befriending me will make you a better person. Poor girl from District 7 needs your help, is that it? You have no idea how inconsequential your existence is."

"You're being unreasonable."

"Unreasonable?" she tried to hold back her anger, her voice lowered into a whisper, "My father was strung up like an animal. I was torn away from my family. I can't see them. I'll never get to see them again. Every terrible thing that has ever happened to me is because of your beloved Capitol."

"I'm not the Capitol."

She bared her teeth and narrowed her eyes. Misdirected anger suddenly took control of her tongue, "You were right. I do hate you."

The words were so sharp and raw that he drew back.

Her hand ripped away from him for a second but he grabbed her wrist, holding her.

Finnick's eyes widened, he was about to interrupt when Pandora held her hand up, signaling for him to stop. Her eyes blaze as she turned back around and took a step towards Adric.

"Don't touch me."

"Pandora—"

"You are pathetic if you could ever think that we would be friends. Not in this life, not even in hell would I be your friend," tears were welling up, "You are a liar and I will never need your help, you understand me?"

With a growl she whipped around and ascended the steps to Finnick, urgently taking his hand and walking away.

"What was that about?"

"Nothing."

Finnick peered back at Adric and squinted, "Did he try something with you?"

She closed her eyes, "No."

"Where are we going?"

"I need air. I need to leave this place."

After several paces of flashing cameras they jumped into the car and zoomed off. Pandora kept her eyes on the window the entire ride home. The sting of pain and confusion scratched at the back of her throat. It felt like her brain was bursting. Her breaths were shallow and hardened. She closed her mind off to the possibility of ever seeing Adric Pedersen as a reliance and friend. This was a grudge that was clinging to her for dear life. Over and over she replayed their conversation. The longer she thought about the worse she felt, worse because she knew she was wrong, worse because out of the two of them she knew who the real monster was. Her. She had probably killed more people than Adric had in his entire military career.

But she had to kill those people. She had to—these were everyone's favorite words to comfort her, lies to comfort her.

She never had to kill Nova, Marius, or Scorch. She could have saved Wisty and the poor girl from District 3...but she didn't.

Hot tears started to stream down her cheeks as she reached her apartment door and walked inside.

"Pandora?"

She tried to look away but Finnick grabbed her.

"Please let go of me."

He held her face in his hands, "What is it?"

She creased her brow and gasped, "I'm just—I'm all messed up inside."

"What did that soldier say to you?"

"Just forget about him."

"Is that why you're crying?"

"NO!" Her hands shoved him away, she was surprised at how fervently she defended Adric.

"Then what?"

"Please, I'm sick of talking. I'm so tired of talking."

Finnick stared at her. He dropped his hands to his side and nodded.

"Aren't you tired?" She asked through cries, "Tired of pretending, I mean how pathetic is this? We walk around as if we're together…I'm so sick of it all!"

His eyes softened. Without speaking he took a solid step forward, and then a smaller one. He did this until Pandora was against him and then further. She looked up at him as she felt the wall to her back.

"What are you doing?"

"I don't want to pretend anymore either."

His hand lifted to her face, her eyelashes fluttered as she felt his thumb caress her lips.

"Pandora—"

She could hear him breathing.

"I—I know we're doing this because of President Snow, because you wanted to help me…"

Suddenly his strange behavior was starting to make sense. Pandora widened her eyes, trying to ignore the knots in her stomach. A rush of understanding swept over her. This was what he was going to tell her in the car, this was what he wanted to say, and somehow she knew exactly what it was going to be.

Not now, She thought, please just not now.

"Finnick don't."

"I love you. I—" She could see the tears forming in his eyes, "I can't help but love pretending to be with you, because I only feel alive when you're around. I need you."

"Please—"

She tried to wiggle away but he moved closer.

"Please no more."

"Why?"

Her eyes were looking everywhere but at Finnick. When she finally looked him straight in the face she felt her breath tremble.

"Why, Pandora?"

Suddenly the answer was so clear, so true.

"If this is real than it will only be temporary. Somehow, in some way it will be over…I'll lose you. I can't lose someone else."

"You won't."

"Please—"

She could feel her knees getting weak.

"I love you," the whispered words filled her heart, making her forget about everything else.

When his lips met hers she didn't stop him. Her hands wrapped around him tightly. Her fingers combed through his hair as she parted her lips and felt his warm embrace. It wasn't like the one for publicity. It was hungrier, more passionate.

The world was falling away. All she saw was Finnick.

Somehow, with that single true kiss and that night, Pandora and Finnick became something more than friends.

She kissed him ravenously, her tears fading. It was only when he said it that she realized how much Finnick meant to her. Whether time was on their side or not, she suddenly didn't care. He was all that she had left to hold onto.