Sugar cube time!
Well, I guess I should be okay with it if that is what the Capitol wants to me to wear. Let's just say it – I'm practically naked. Yep, the stylist brings out a gold fishnet. That's it. It fits kind of like a dress, for men, that has huge holes it everywhere. Okay, Finnick, let's try and get yourself more covered up.
"So, this is an epic costume, but don't you think it would look better with, I don't know, pants? Like maybe blue ones that look like fish, so it's like fish in a net! That's original!" I plead with her. She sighs, which I think is a good sign, but shakes her head. I sigh this time, sliding it over my head. They knot it pretty strategically so I'm not actually naked, but it still feels weird. I grab a robe so that I have to deal with it for as long as until the parade.
After that, they just put a little bit of makeup on me. Just some stuff to make my face look shiner under all the lights, they say. Then, it is time to walk out to the stables.
Of course, I find my way to the pack of previous victors. Johanna, Cecelia, the District 6 girl that just kind of floats around, and Mags are gathered around a bunch of hay bales far away from the doors. I see this year's career pack which consists of Cashmere and Gloss from 1 and Brutus and Enobaria from 2. I knew they would volunteer. They are each crazy enough to want to go back and are what some people would consider as the most threatening careers, the "all stars." They don't even approach me, even though I'm from a career district. They know my answer, and they certainly wouldn't want to carry Mags around with them. They are limber and ready for action, even in their 20s and 30s. Careers for life.
Everyone already has their little friendships we've made from the mentoring each year. Johanna is telling a story about something in 7, and I glance over to Katniss. She is just kind of standing there awkwardly, petting a horse. She must feel awkward, all of us knowing each together, surely she isn't that good with Peeta, seeing as he hasn't arrived, and she knows that if each of us can get out alive once, we can do it again. Plus, she doesn't seem to be that social. I excuse myself and head over. I grab a couple of sugar cubes out of the bucket hanging by one of the horses marked with 9.
I pop one in my mouth and start crunching. Her head snaps to me, making eye connection for a brief moment. I pop another one in and lean against the horse.
"Hello, Katniss," I say, normally. I don't feel like I know her, just what she was in the games. People are very different when pitted against others for the death and out of that.
"Hello, Finnick," she replies, uncomfortably. Now, how should I be? I think normal Capitol people perception of me would work best. Don't want to go all over exuberant on our first meeting. Plus, she's so pure. It'll be fun to play with that.
"Want a sugar cube? They're supposed to be for the horses, but who cares? They've got years to eat sugar, whereas you and I…well, if we see something sweet, we better grab it quick." I offer my hand, filled with the sugar cubes to her.
"No, thanks. I'd love to borrow your outfit sometime, though." There's the Katniss attitude that made her famous. Best part is that she doesn't even know it.
"You're absolutely terrifying me in that getup. What happened to the pretty little girl dresses?" I ask. I wet my lips with my tongue because they taste kind of weird with all the stuff they put on it.
"I outgrew them." Another classic answer, and one I was expecting.
"It's too bad about this Quell thing. You could have made out like a bandit in the Capitol. Jewels, money, anything you wanted," I say, feeling the material her collar is made of. Thankfully, I don't think it can catch fire. Fire and water don't mix so well.
"I don't like jewels, and I have more money than I need. What do you spend all yours on, anyway, Finnick?" She asks.
"Oh, I haven't dealt in anything as common as money for years," I tell her.
"Then how do they pay you for the pleasure of your company?" She asks, this time actually wanting know, not just making conversation.
"With secrets. What about you, girl on fire? Do you have any secrets worth my time?" I whisper, leaning my head toward her's. She blushes, which I don't expect but I'm finding more and more about her as the minutes go by.
"No, I'm an open book. Everybody seems to know my secrets before I know them myself," she whispers. I think she knows them though, she just won't accept them. Or maybe, she really doesn't. I don't think she's a very self-accepting person.
"Unfortunately, I think that's true. Peeta is coming. Sorry you have to cancel your wedding. I know how devastating that must be for you," I smile and walk away, back to Johanna.
As soon as I get back, they all crack up in laughter. I could tell they were watching the entire spectacle.
"Bringing out that card this year Finnick?" Cecelia asks jokingingly.
"Well, when you're dressed like this, it's kind of hard to not to." Johanna nudges me and gives me a look that reads Just wait until I get to Katniss. The alarm sounds that it's time to get onto the chariots.
I board mine, fourth one from the beginning. It doesn't take long for it to pull out, which is good because I just want to get this part over with.
Yay! Sugar cubes! That was just way to fun to write. I read that part again in Catching Fire and I just love him so much after reading it multiple times. Another thing that I thought was really cool was that now I can see Jennifer Lawrence and Sam Clafin saying those lines, and farther on Jena Malone saying those words of Johanna. It's going to be too long of a wait! Remember, read and review. Also, my poll is closing in a week (November 9th) so go vote if you haven't!