Adrienne, Johanna, and Dahlia make fish for dinner. Henry caught it. It feels nice to have a homemade meal. It reminds me of home. Except this time, I'm eating fish, and not squirrels. There's polite conversation, but only enough to make it feel not awkward. Adrienne and Finnick go to do dishes, and I decide to talk to Dahlia.
"Hi. You're Dahlia, right?" I ask her. I've never been too good at making friends, so I never really know what to say to start a conversation.
She nods, pursing her lips. "And you're Katniss Everdeen." The way she says it sounds almost sarcastic.
"Thats me." I frown for a moment. "Is that a problem?"
"Not really." Dahlia shrugs. "My mother doesn't like you very much. She says you're gonna tear apart this family. I don't really get it. You seem fine. But Finnick is always is talking about you." She giggles a little.
"That's what Adrienne said as well." I muse. "Do you know why your mom doesn't like me?" I realize how condescending I sound. I don't know why I sound that way, she's the same age as me.
"Well, my mother thinks that you faked the romance with that boy from your district in your games, and that your just stringing Finnick along." Dahlia shrugs. I can tell she doesn't see eye-to-eye with Juliette. Probably since Dahlia grew up here in District 4 and her mother grew up in the Capitol. She sees my facial expression and backpedals a little. "Are you mad at me?"
I shake my head. "No, of course not. You didn't do anything. But thank you for telling me that." I smile at he and plan on continuing the conversation, but Johanna is dragging me next door to Annie's house, where I'll be staying.
Annie's house is on the right of Finnick's. An elderly victor, Mags, lives on the left of Finnick. She's like the mother Finnick never had. They've been close for years. Johanna lives with Annie, and Finnick spends most of his time at their house. It's quieter than the Odair's household, and I appreciate that. After all that I've been through today, I really would just like to sit down. As soon as we leave Finnick's house, he picks me up, bridal-style, and carries me into Annie's. Haymitch guffaws and Annie giggles.
We all sit down in the living room. I'm between Finnick and Annie on the sofa, Haymitch is sitting on a chair, and Johanna's stretched out on the love-seat, her feet dangling onto Haymitch's chair.
"How was your day?" I ask Finnick.
"Terrible." He frowns. "There were 3 people from the Capitol, all wanting to meet the Finnick Odair. Ugh." I smile sympathetically at him.
"Exact same situation over here." I put my head on Finnick's chest.
"If I were you, I would just tell them to bug off. They can't control your life" Annie suggests to both of us.
"If only. They have a lot of power, and I don't want to risk getting them upset." Finnick explains. He puts me down on the couch.
Johanna sits up. "Well, I think we need to catch Katniss up." I look around, but nobody meets my eyes. "Hold on." Johanna stands up, walks over to the kitchen and takes the largest knife she can find. She feels the doorway, and then pulls out a small square by the light switch and puts it down the garbage disposal. "That was a bug. They don't need to here this. Haymitch, do you wanna tell her?"
He shrugs, taking another sip of his liquor. "Alright. So you might be in trouble. Thanks to Fish boy over here."
Finnick looks down. "It was an accident, goddammit."
"The man in the Capitol, the first person that you talked to about sponsorship. Well his wife went to talk to Finnick last week, and he accidentally mentioned you." Finnick blushes profusely, and I understand what happened. He said my name. When she searched up your name later, she recognized you and realized that you had a buisness arrangement with her husband. That caused a bit of a problem. And this was reported." He doesn't add that it was reported to Snow, but it's implied. I gulp.
"I would be laughing right now, if I wasn't so scared for you and Finnick.' Johanna admits.
Annie hits the coffee table. "Why do you guys keep not telling me stuff? I know you're keeping something, and it's not fair for me to be kept out." She looks really upset.
"It's your call." I tell Finnick. Annie's the only one who can be affected by him.
Finnick sighs. "You're right. You deserve to know, but I don't want to hurt you. Well I'm gonna make a long story super-short, so I'm skimming over some of the details. Basically, Snow is selling Katniss and I and threatening to kill our loved ones if we don't oblige."
"By selling do you mean-" Annie trails off.
"Yeah." I sigh. "I hate it, but really, what am I gonna do?"
Annie takes a deep breath. "That explains a lot. Thank you for telling me." She goes back to tying knots on her string, obviously unaffected.
I stand up. "Well I really need to shower." Johanna points me in the direction of the bathroom, and I lock the door behind me. I undress, and sit on the floor of the shower, letting the water hit my back. How did everything end up like this? So messed up. I begin to sob. I've been nothing for ten years. Ever since my dad died, I've been better off dead. From starving, to breaking the law to survive, to risking my life for Prim. I've never had a break. And now, what's the point? I don't even notice when Finnick sits down next to me, in an equal state of undress. I choke back my sobs for a moment when he kisses my forehead. "I'm better off dead. I'm worth less than dirt."
"Don't say that." Finnick shakes his head. "You can't afford to think like that." He helps me stand up, and I realize that this is the first time I've really seen someone naked. My mother has had to undress patients back in 12, but with Finnick, he's totally naked. I can see all of him. And that scares me. It also makes me giggle a little.
He raises his eyebrow. "LIke what you see?" He puts one of his hands on his hip. I manage to crack a smile. "Come here. I'll wash your hair." Finnick says to me. I pass him the bottle of shampoo. He massages it through my hair, while quietly murmuring about the sea. He quickly gets his whole body clean and then turns the water off. I shiver.
He hands me a white fluffy towel, and wraps one around his waist. I wrap it under my arm, covering my breasts. I braid my hair and then we walk out of the bathroom. Annie's still tying knots while Johanna and Haymitch are drinking.
"-And then I told him to fuck off." Johanna slurs. "So do you know what he did? He killed them." I'm not sure if she's laughing or crying.
I look at Finnick. We both seem to be thinking the same thing, and walk into our room. Contrary to most people's assumptions, we aren't fucking. Sex is not for pleasure, it's for keeping all of them safe. I'm not sure when I'll change my attitude on that. I change into one of Finnick's shirts and curl up next to his boxer-clad body. Finnick's personal motto is why put on clothes if I'm gonna have to take them off again? In all honesty, he makes a valid point.
The next three days fly by quickly- clients, showers with Finnick in attempts to forget, and drunkenly playing cards with Finnick and Johanna. I begin to develop a liking for Annie. She's odd, but she's very smart and always seems to know what to say. But sometimes she slips into her own mind, and thats when the problems start. She'll cover up her ears and stare at nothing. Her nightmares come while she's awake. Before I know it, I'm getting back on the train and saying my goodbyes to District 4. I know I'll be back soon.
The rest of the victory tour goes by fairly quickly. I give my condolences to Cato's parents, and apologize to Marvel's family.
I get to the Capitol the day after I leave District 1. There's to be a huge ball celebrating this year's victor. Caesar's going to have a third and final interview with me. Finnick's going to be there, and that's when I'll announce our relationship.
My prep team chatters non-stop as they make me over, rarely stopping to see if I'm listening. Octavia tells me about a beautiful wedding she went to, and Venia makes snide comments about the bride's dress. I'm given long black eyelash extensions, that are similar to the ones that Effie wears, with black and grey eye makeup. I look stunning. Cinna puts me in a dark green dress that goes down to my knees.
First, I have my interview. I have to turn on my flirty Capitol persona. Caesar starts off by complimenting my outfits from the Victory Tour. He asks me how my life has changed since winning. I shrug nonchalantly and say that things are pretty much normal, besides the fact that I'm swarmed by press almost all the time. That elicits a laugh from the crowd. We have friendly chatter for a little bit. But finally, Caesar puts his hand on top of mine, and asks the hard question - how I've dealt with Peeta's loss. I frown and tell the truth: I miss him all the time, but I'm trying to move on. When Caesar asks if there's anyone else in my life- it has been 4 months, I smile. "Well there is this one boy." I confess.
Caesar sits up, and asks the crowd if they want to know who. They cheer loudly.
"Lets see if you can guess." I say flirtatiously. "He's another victor, from District 4."
Caesar gasps dramatically. "Is it the Finnick Odair?"
I look down, my cheeks turning a light pink. "Maybe." The crowd goes absolutely crazy.
Caesar turns to me after they settle down. "Well, what do you know? I think we have a new power couple. He kisses my hand. Katniss Everdeen, everyone!"
Effie is freaking out. Haymitch pats my back, and tells me I did a great job. Finnick's waiting for me, and quickly kisses me when he sees me. "Lets get to that party of yours." He smiles and winks at me, putting his large hand around mine. That simple gesture tells me I need to have my Capitol show-face on at all times for the rest of the night. I have a feeling this'll be easier than my romance with Peeta. With Peeta, I had to have a romance while I was in a fight to the death. Here, I just have to look like I'm having a good time. And with Finnick, I just might.
My celebration is held in President Snow's mansion, which is extremely terrifying. He smells strongly of blood and roses. I'd imagine his whole house does too. Surprisingly, it doesn't smell like him. There has to be around five hundred people. Effie points out all of the important people I need to talk to- a few Capitol officials, and the President.
First, I make my rounds at all of the food tables, with Finnick by my side. There's way too much food, and I'm stuffed by my third plate. Then I down a glass of some bubbly wine (they call it champagne) at the bar and go to find important people. I bat my eyelashes and flirt with all of the men, and try to act Capitol with the women. I'm introduced to the new Head Gamemaker, Plutarch. Seneca Crane was sentenced to death after the stunt with the rule-change about 2 victors being able to win, even if I was the sole victor. Plurtarch shows me his Mockingjay watch and excuses himself to get back to his home. The only person left to talk to is Snow.
Me and Finnick dance to a few songs, and decide to fake sneaking off for the press. But we bump into Snow, who pulls us aside.
"Enjoying yourself, Miss Everdeen?" He asks me cooly.
I nod politely. "Very much so. The food and entertainment is fantastic. Thank you so much for organizing this."
He seems to be satisfied with my response. "See how nice things can be when we both agree?" For some reason it sounds like a threat, or a warning. One of his body guards pulls him over to mumble a few words in his ear. "The party's almost over. Have a good night, Miss Everdeen." But before we leave, Snow addresses Finnick. "Mister Odair? Hopefully you will agree with Miss Everdeen, that it truly is better when we can agree on some issues." I'm not quite sure what he's referring to, but I decide that I'll ask Finnick later.
Finnick nods curtly, and we say our goodbyes. We find Haymitch and Effie, and get in the limo to head back to the Training Center, where we'll be spending the night. Our train will leave first thing in the morning.
There's a few other victors I don't know in the car. A man named Chaff, who's equally as drunk as Haymitch, a quiet middle-aged woman from District 3 who's name I didn't catch, and a previous Career named Cashmere. She reminds me of Glimmer. Effie can't stop talking about how much of a success the party was. We all just let her talk. When I lean on Finnick's shoulder, she squeals. "You two are so adorable- oh my gosh I haven't introduced myself. How rude of me! I'm Effie Trinket." I can tell she's flustered by Finnick's presence.
Finnick gives Effie his cocky Capitol smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you," He purrs. Both Cashmere and Haymitch rolls their eyes, and Effie blushes. Finnick is another person in the Capitol. Out of all the victor's I've met, Finnick acts the most different. I understand why, of course. Me of all people should. Capitol Finnick is cocky, sexual, and extremely desirable, while the real Finnick is friendly, caring, and just a little flirtatious.
The limo hits a bump in the road, and I fall onto Finnick. He takes that opportunity to pull me onto his lap. He starts kissing the place on my shoulder behind my collar bone. I turn my head around, questioning him with my eyes. Cashmere lets out a small sarcastic laugh. "Oh please, Odair. Keep your hands off her, she's still a child." I assume that they are friendly, because of the way he responds.
"Oh Cashmere. You know everyone, regardless of age likes this." Finnick points to himself.
"So, Katniss. Do you like the Capitol?" She asks me, ignoring Finnick. Cashmere tucks a strand of her long, blond hair behind her ear.
I don't know how to respond, because I don't know what kind of person she is, or if I can trust her. "They've been very hospitable," is all I can say, choosing my words carefully.
Cashmere looks me up and down, taking in my appearance. I feel like she can see right through me. She bites her lip, thinking hard. Cashmere raises an eyebrow at Finnick and he nods slowly. Cashmere nods, slowly purses her lips, before telling the driver to stop in front of some large glass apartment building I've never seen before. Most of the victors can communicate without words. I can do it was Haymitch and Gale, but only a little with Finnick. "Duty calls. I'll see you all in the mentoring lounge. And my the odds be ever in your favor." When she steps out of the car I notice what she's wearing- a short tight dress and heels. Even though she's beautiful, there's no reason she would wear something that short and revealing... unless she's a lot like Finnick and I. The way she looked at me would explain it too.
I look at Finnick, sliding off his lap. "Is she-"
"Yeah." He nods. Oh.
I wonder how many of us there are. And then I realize, that I don't want to know. We all get out of the car and head to our apartments. That night, I can't fall asleep.
I don't want to wake Finnick, so I go the roof. I get up to the top of the staircase leading to the roof, and see someone sitting their already. I can tell it's a girl. She's sitting on the wall, her knees brought to her chest.
I get closer, and I recognize the face. It's Cashmere again. She's wearing the same robe that I have in my bathroom. It's the middle of the night, maybe 3 in the morning. I wonder how long she's been here. I hold out the cup of tea I was going to drink, offering it to her. She gives me a small smile and takes the mug, her hands shaking. "Rough night?" I ask her. I already know the answer.
She nods. "You have no idea. Well you do. But honestly, it just gets worse."
I've never seen a Career show emotions. Until today, I thought they were ruthless killing machines. But it took this to see that they can be just as scarred as me. I can't begin to imagine how long she's had to deal with this. I don't know what to say, so I don't say anything.
"He really cares about you, you know that?" Cashmere tells me. "We go way back. And I've never seen him like that with you or anyone. Not the part in the car. But at the party. The way he always held on to you. At first, in the arena, the way Haymitch would yell at you through the screen, I thought that you were just using that boy. But you cared about him. And lost him, as well as that little girl. I thought it was beautiful when you avenged her death. The way you killed Marvel was fantastic, I'm not going to lie. You just fired that bow. I would think you've been using it your whole life." She seems to have calmed down. "And you act with the same compassion with Finn. But you need to talk to him tomorrow. You might be in a bit of trouble, if you don't."
"What do you mean?" I ask.
She smiles sadly. "Snow's requested extra of him. The only reason I know is because I was there." Cashmere backpedals. "I don't think I should be the one to tell you." She stands up. "You should go to sleep. I'll see you after the games start."
When Finnick tells me, I'm torn between punching a wall and hugging him. It's not his fault, but it's so frustrating and just not fair. Snow wants him to go on dates with men too. And Finnick refuses, putting his foot down on the matter. He won't. I want to tell him it's going to be okay, but we both know that he's going to suffer either way. But if he's sticking by his decision, I have to stick by him.
The train stops in 3, 4, 11, and then finally, 12. I get off the train and the first thing I do is go to officially move in with Haymitch. Finnick's going to be back in 4, and I'd prefer not to wake up my whole family with my screams.
My mother apologizes, and I smile, forgiving her. I'm not sure why, but I feel like every day could be my last. I spend most of my time with Prim, and some time with Gale when he's not in the mines.
"Katniss?" Prim asks me. I can tell she seems worried. "There's gonna be an announcement. It seems important."
I sigh. That can't be good. I put my arm around her. "Don't worry."
I turn on the TV, and sit in the living room next to everyone else. Even Haymitch is sober. The anthem plays and President Snow is standing behind the seal of Panem. I feel his gaze through the screen. I know he's talking to me. To Finnick. "Due to the... fact that there is going to be the 3rd Quarter Quell in a little over a year from now, the regular reaping for the 74th Annual Hunger Games will occur in three weeks."
Gale's 19th birthday is in three-and-a-half. He still can be reaped.
A/N: I'm not sure if my line break is working, so this might be all jumbled up. Points to you if realized the woman from 3 was Wiress.
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