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Chapter Nineteen: The Beauty of Betrayal
I shook my head. This can't be right. "As victors we are granted immunity. Wealth. Pride. We get to live the rest of our lives in peace".
Lumos looked sad. "You didn't really believe that though did you Cashmere? The capitol will always be reminding us district people who is in charge".
I sat down trying to see light of the situation when the real big picture hit me. "You bitch", I sneered. Lumos seemed a bit taken aback, but didn't verbalise anything. "You let me act all sexy in the arena. What the fuck did you think would happen when I come back alive. That the capitol were going to use me for my intelligence? I'm going to be some sex slave for the capitol because you made me that symbol in the arena! This is all YOUR fault", I screamed at her.
Lumos took a step back, and I went to lung at her, scratch at her face, show her how much she has hurt me, but Granite got in the way and pushed me back.
"STOP", he shouted. "Cashmere. STOP! Lumo's did nothing but save your life. Do you really think the capitol citizens would have sponsored you so much had they not seen your breasts? Your body? Do not for one second believe that you survived that arena on your intelligence to stay alive and combat other tributes. Did you see what happened to Delia from district two? She fell apart. YOU stole more then half of the regulars who sponsor district two, and it had a massive effect on her survival. THOSE are the games deary".
I sank back into the sofa, more so because I knew he was right. I would not be here if it hadn't been for my sexual status in the arena.
"I don't want to have sex with these people", I cry. "These people make me sick".
Lumos sat beside me and stroke my hair. "Sweety, we don't know for sure that that is what the president really wants for me, but we have to prepare for the worst. Listen, Cashmere. Not every single one of them requires you to have sex with them, some off them only want your time and company".
Lace, our escort bounced back into the room. "Okay, enough talking, we must get cashmere ready for the meeting with President Snow".
Lace looked at me sadly. It was obvious she knew and disapproved off what a victor has to do once crowned, but as a capitol citizen, she was not allowed to really say, not unless she wanted to end up an Avox.
It took the stylists four hours before they deemed me to ready to go and see President Snow and by this time Lace was panicking that we would be late, even though we still had a good hour and half to get there.
I finally arrived at the plush Mansion, and was taken into the main entrance hall. "Those doors over there, lead to the entertainment hall. Thats where you will meet all the guests after the victory tour", explained Lace excitedly, about stuff I really didn't care about.
Two men, that I guessed were Snow's personal Peacekeepers approached us.
"Thank you. You may take a seat Ma'am", one of them guestured Lace, who seemed more offended about being called Ma'am then being told to wait".
"Miss Hazelgrey, if you could follow us please", the other directed.
I was took upstaires and along a long corridor, before we stopped a knocked on a large solid dark oak door.
"Enter", called a hoarse voice from the other side. The peacekeeper opened the door, but stepped aside, allowing me to go on.
"Ah, Miss Hazelgrey, A true pleasure", President Snow smiled at me.
I couldn't help but feel completely sick in my mouth, as I forged a fake smile.
"Please, do sit", he said gesturing a comfy armchair sat in front of this desk.
I sat down with a whisper of a thank you.
"I really do want to congratulate you on your victory. I must admit, you put on quite a show for us".
I smiled. "I am glad you enjoyed it".
Snow smiled again, showing me every single one of his perfect white teeth.
"Miss Hazelgrey, may I call you Cashmere, I would much prefer us to be friends?".
I gave another fake smile. "Cashmere is fine, sir".
"Great. Now Cashmere. I think it is best if we do not lie to each other, being friends and all, wouldn't you say".
I narrowed my eyes at him slightly, already knowing where he is going with this. I nod. "Of course sir".
"You really were excellent in the games cashmere", he grinned smacking his lips slightly. "You had the whole capitol wrapped round your little finger. We all loved you".
I smile falsely once more, but say nothing.
"People are thrilled about your victory. So much, that I have even seen people getting your name tattooed onto them. Your one of the most famous victors. I admit, I worry slightly".
I frown slightly, to be honest this isn't really where I expected the conversation to be going, if you could call it that.
"When a victor is so highly spotlighted, sometimes they can get, whats the expression... to big for their own boots".
I frown slightly. "So you require me to tone it down a bit?".
President snow smiled again, once again showing me his polished white teeth.
"I want you to show them, that your just a district girl, that you are really not as special as they think you are. The interview with Mr. Flickerman should be a good start for that".
I blink a couple of times, taking in what he has told me. "Sure, I can do that. No problem. I don't really like all this limelight anyway".
"Good. Now, lets talk about your act in the arena".
I raised my left eyebrow slightly. "Act sir?".
"Yes. You seemed quite sure of your body didn't you. Really liked showing the camera your seductive side. You went even as far as to seducing one of the young men, before killing him".
I shudder as I am forced to remember the moment of love making with Jaret before I slit his throat.
I gulp slightly.
"I did what I had to to survive sir", I said confidently.
President Snow laughed loudly. "Well of course you did Cashmere, thats the whole spirit of these games. But you cannot surly think that your act is the sole reason you are alive. Did you not eat the food sent to you from the sponsors. Did you not like that lovely fur coat that kept you so warm during the storm?".
I purse my lips, but do not answer.
"Cashmere, Victors are in dept to the capitol. We throw 24 tributes into an arena, and we root our favourite, and show them mercy. We let them live. But depts are depts, and they need to be repaid".
"And how do you wish for me to repay my sponsorships sir?", I ask innocently.
President Snow's smile vanished. "I thought we agreed not to lie to each other Cashmere. You know what I want. Being for district one, I am sure this information would have been laid out for you neatly on a plate. You . Will be required to spend time with some of the wealtheast citizens of the capitol. You will do whatever it is they want. And you will show them how grateful you are to be alive".
I close my eyes. "You want me to be a capitol whore".
President snow laughed. "I prefer the word escort, less violent word".
"And if I refuse".
President Snow smacked his lips. "I am the powerful man in Panem, Cashmere. I do not like to be upset, especially with new victors. I think it would be safe to say that I have control of every single district, and have word of every single 'accident' that happens. It would be such a shame if a gun backfired from a peacekeepers pistol while in the vicinity of one of your loved ones".
My mouth went dry. "When do I start Mr. Snow".
President Snow smiled. "I think we should let you enjoy the victory tour first. You start when you come back to mentor your first tributes next year. Of course, I will not ask you to do any work during your time in the control room, but during the training stages, you will be required to be available".
I nod. "Thank you sir".
I am dismissed with the wave of his hand, and I get up on leave. I meet my escort Lace in the entrance hall, where she is sat waiting for me.
A tear trickles down my cheek and she embraces me in a hug.
"Don't worry dear. It will get easier with time. I promise".