"Time to wake up, darling!" Amora called from outside the door, "Today is a big day!"
Indeed it was...A very big day. It was my last chance to impress the sponsors before the arena. The interviews...
I barely had time to eat breakfast before Amora dragged me into a room to work with me. Amora dressed me up in a big, pink fluffy dress and very high heeled shoes. I had never walked in high heels before and it was a pain. I tripped all the time and the puffy dress didn't exactly help make it better. She kept smacking my wrists and berating my stature and instructing me how to do this and that.
"Please don't tell me that I will walk around in this later," I said to Amora when she helped me up for the fifth time.
"Darling, I don't know but this is just for practice. Come on, let's continue,"
About two hours later, after three more trips, a lot of swearing from my side, and a lot of complaining from Amora's side, I continued walking with my heels and the dress until I finally am able to walk in the heels without tripping, but then she started making me sit down.
I don't know how many times I've fallen out of the chair, but I remembered Amora saying "You're so terrible at this! You're lucky you have your good looks to cover how terrible you walk and sit!"
I grimaced as Amora shrieked my name for the thousandth time, "Paige! Cross your legs at the ankles! The ankles! Why is that so hard to understand!"
By the end of the training session. I'm convinced I won't walk normally for days without having to lift my heels so it feels comfortable. Why do I even have to look good for interviews! I'm just going to look a mess in the games!
When we walked out of the room we were practicing in to go to lunch. I swear I wanted to slap that smile off Amora's face. Once we sat down at the table which was occupied by Cecelia, Woof, and Ryler, who were eating a A delicious but surprisingly cold tropic soup for first course, then a big steak for main and last course. No dessert unfortunately.
I got a sympathetic look from Cecelia. She knows the pain of heels, at least I have someone who understands. Ryler just looked concerned for me. I told him I'm alright and that he should be glad that he's not a girl, which he quickly agreed on.
"You know, it's good that your beautiful. If you fall, I'm sure the Capitol would swoon over you," he said, with a quiet laugh.
"That's exactly what I said!" Amora agreed loudly.
"Yeah, yeah. If you guys say so," I said rolling my eyes.
"It's true!" Amora laughed.
I know I'm alright, but I don't think I'm that beautiful. It's just the makeup makes me beautiful. Nothing else. I glanced at Cecelia and Woof who had been silent. She looked at me with a sad expression. I wondered why she's looking at me like that.
"What's wrong?" I asked her.
"It's nothing," she said, sadness evident in her voice. I was about to insist on why but she cut in, knowing I was about to annoy her. "It's just unfortunate, you were blessed with your looks," Cecelia explained, a sigh escaping her.
"Why?" I asked, already starting to worry on why.
Woof sighed, "You'll figure it out,"
Figure what out? Why were my looks unfortunate?
"It doesn't mix well with the Capitol, if you won," Cecelia hinted.
It has something to do with if I won. So if I won, I get to move into a new house. My family wouldn't have to worry about working anymore. I would be mentoring the next years tributes. I'd be visiting the Capitol every year. I'll have to show myself to the Capitol. The Capitol would want to know me personally. In every way...I looked up at them. I hope it's not what I think.
They're looks at me confirmed it.
"I won't do it!" I exclaimed, trying to hide my horror in realizing what they were saying.
Cecelia sighed, "We should go start your lesson," and got up from the table.
I slowly got up.
Peering at Amora's and Ryler's expressions. I could tell Amora had no idea, what she was speculating, but it looks like Ryler figured it out. He didn't look happy at all, he looked at me when he saw that I was looking at him and he frowned at me, like he was cursing my looks. But the thing is..If Ryler won, he would be in risk of the same fate. He was handsome as well.
"Okay, I'm here to teach you how to hold yourself in public's eye," Cecelia said, tossing the tension from our last conversation away.
"I know," I said, I had already guessed that.
"Alright," she said. "What should we do with you?" She looked at me for about a minute.
"Any ideas?" I asked.
"As a matter of fact, yes," Cecelia answered. "You are a very nice, kind and sweet person naturally so I want to play with that. You have to smile, be kind and calm, show them your personality. Don't be afraid to talk about the deep stuff. Tell them about your home, your life, your family. You love them, you love everything. You love life and you want to enjoy the time you have with Caesar. But most of all; you have to love love love the Capitol,"
"What?! Who loves the Capitol?!" I asked, disbelief across my face.
"Paige keep your voice down! You can't shout things like that here," I took a deep breath before Cecelia continued, "Yes, you have to love the Capitol. They will love you if you love them. Talk about how beautiful everything is, how generous they are and that kind of stuff. Do you understand?"
"Yes. I do. I'll try but I'm not the best with words,"
"You'll do fine,"
Then later I got dragged away for the third and hopefully the last time. This time by Valeria and my prep-team. They washed me, waxed, did something weird with my hair so that it became all soft and shiny and a lot more. While Ceil untwisted my hair making my natural tight curls become stretched, Fannia gave me fake nails that she painted the outer white parts even more white and covered it with a see-through pink. I know that a couple of thousands of years ago, they called this a 'French manicure'. Sagitarria was talking to Valeria about something. I guessed about my makeup.
"Alright Valeria!" Ceil said, when everyone was done.
Sagitarria had given me a light white with golden sparkle-eye shadow and nude lipstick. I wondered what my dress was going to look like. Maybe golden because of the makeup. Or maybe red? As long as it didn't look to hideous I was fine with almost anything.
"She's ready for the dress!"
Valeria rolled in a coat-hanger covered by a sheet. "Are you ready, Paige ?" she asked.
"I think so," I answered.
Valeria took away the sheet to reveal the dress and I lost my breath. It was so beautiful! It was in my favorite shade of purple, violet. It had a small sweetheart neckline and fitted my body perfectly. The skirt flowed out a little bit below the knees, not so much as it would on a mermaid dress, just a little bit. But the best thing was; it was covered in gold crystals.
"Oh my gosh, Valeria!" I said, almost mute. "It's so beautiful! Thank you!"
"I thought you would like it," Valeria said smiling.
"I love it,"
"Come on, let's get you into it,"
My wonderful dress was surprisingly light for being covered in crystals. My hairdo matched very well to the dress, Ceil had put my hair up in a crown-goddess braid and she had left one small section of hair on each side of my face free. They were now styled in sweet curls. My shoes were golden to match my makeup and jewelry. I had a gold collar necklace with an amethyst stone in the middle. The same with a bracelet on my right wrist.
"They are going to love you!" Fannia giggled.
"Absolutely stunning!" Sagitarria comments.
"Breathtaking," Ceil sighed, satisfied by her work.
"Flawless!" Fannia continuing her squeals of delight.
Sagitarria was about to say something but I cut in.
"Stop!" I pouted, folding my arms together. "Your making me uncomfortable with your compliments," I explained.
I've been getting way too many compliments in the last two days and it's starting to take a toll on me. Now that I realize how much I will be desired by the Capitol, if I won.
"But you do look beautiful in my dress," Valeria smiled.
"And I thank you for that, but all these compliments are making me uncomfortable," I stated again.
"Look!" Fannia exclaimed excitedly, guiding me to the mirror.
I do look breathtaking. I forgot how to breathe when I saw my reflection. I look so pure and beautiful.
I turned to Valeria, "Thank you, Valeria," I said, giving her a hug. "For making me look beautiful,"
She returned the hug, "It was my pleasure," She smiled.
"Now let's show the Capitol, who Paige Dyne is,"
Valeria took me to the elevator where Cecelia, Woof, and Ryler waited. Ryler wore a very dark purple, almost black tuxedo. He had a white crisp shirt and a tie in the same color as the tuxedo.
"Here she is," Valeria said, with her hands on my shoulders.
"Very good," Cecelia smiled, "Come on you two. We can't be late!"
We stepped into the elevator and Woof pressed on entry level.
"You look very pretty Paige ," Ryler complimented smiling.
"Thank you Ryler. You look pretty dapper as well," I complimented back.
We started to go down the elevator. Amora laughed at our banter while Woof and Cecelia just smiled. While both of our prep teams and stylists grinned proudly. Once we got down to the stage. All the tributes were getting in line to go up to the stage. I breathed in and out when I got out of the elevator with everyone else. Valeria and Charm walked away with a wave with our prep teams while Woof, Cecelia, and Amora stay to remind us on what to do.
"Now your going to be shy and adorable," Woof said to Ryler.
"Remember to not fall out of your chairs," Amora speaking to both of us.
"And Paige, remember to love the Capitol," Cecelia stated, putting heavy emphasis on love. She looked at both of us, "Be happy to be here. Good luck," Cecelia wished.
We nodded and they left and we headed over to where everyone was lining up. Everyone was already there.
"Look whose decided to join the party!" Bran called to us.
"Like we had any choice," Ryler replied dryly, as we joined them.
I laughed, "I hope we didn't miss anything,"
"No," Bran answered with a small smile. "Wow," Bran breathed, looking at me.
I felt my face heat up, which is odd, "I know right," I replied smiling and scanned him. "Don't look so bad yourself," I complimented.
He laughed, he was wearing a plain tux with a golden glow to it and his usual thick bright brown hair was gelled to one side.
"Thank you," he said.
"Nice results guys," I said with a smile. "We surprised the Career pack," I added, just loud enough for the three of us to hear.
We all smirked and glanced at the Careers who were glaring at us or more like me.
"Good," Bran stated loudly with a big smirk on his face.
"Please enter the stage and sit down at your assigned places," a voice said from nowhere.
"Good luck," Bran said to us and started to walk away.
"Good evening!" Caesar Flickerman yelled in the microphone. "Welcome to the interviews of the 67th Annual Hunger Games!" The audience cheered loudly.
Caesar cracked some jokes to warm up the audience before the actual interviews started, "Let's start, from the district of luxury and I think we all can see it from her lovely look tonight: Ruby Gilmore from District One!"
Ruby walked up to Caesar with confident steps while the audience cheered for her. Her personality was confident and cocky. Lucian and Cavail were cocky and monstrous while Vika from two was charming and almost flirty to Caesar, but when they started to talk about weapons she became extremely excited.
"All right! Time for the District 3 tributes!" Caesar announced.
I watched Tera with interest, she was wearing a pretty dress covered in colored lights, and she had charmed the Capitol from her generous 'asking the crowd questions' interview.
Cable, the male from District Three was up next. He was also wearing a suit made up of dazzling light bulbs, but he tried hard to get the personality to match. He does reasonably well but it's pretty obvious he's not comfortable. I remember that thoughtful look and figured that he probably prefered working quietly in the background to shining in the spotlight. To be perfectly honest I payed more attention to his outfit than to him, wondering how exactly his stylist managed to get the bulbs to fit so perfectly. The suit certainly doesn't look like it's hiding any wires.
I felt a small stab of sorrow when I realized that I will probably never know how to make something as advanced as that. It's almost a shame when I was very little I secretly harbored dreams of perhaps becoming a stylist one day. It happens rarely in our district, but it does happen, and of course District Eight is a popular choice when recruiting new stylists. By now I had pretty much given up on those dreams, but I guess there was still a small part of me who hoped it would happen. I could feel that hope vanishing now. Maybe Ryler can become one, although he always preferred machine work to the more creative side. I suppose he'll either work in the factories for the rest of his life or else he'll become a warehouse manager. I can see him being happy with either.
District Four's stylists have stuck firmly with the theme of the sea. Zelda is up first, dressed in one of the most beautiful dresses I have ever seen. It is a turquoise green like the ocean, making her eyes stand out fiercely. It starts off a dark color at the bottom and lightens as it goes up in a glittering gradient. Her thick brown hair is swept back, making it look even bigger. She sits regally, chatting with Caesar in a polite, but disinterested way. Caesar tried his best but there's nothing he can do. As she left the stage we locked eyes and she smiled, a chilling smile. It looked like she's picturing my death.
Kai entered just as Zelda left, dressed in a blue suit which has the pattern of waves on the sleeves and legs with his hair has been combed back. Kai has also gone for the sexy angle and for a while it works, but when Caesar asks him about the arena he tenses up and his expression gets angry. I can see that typical Career blood lust in him, under the surface. No doubt about it, he wants to win.
Once again I find myself overlooking District Five. I didn't notice them much before and I see little point doing so now when their scores were low. They're both non-descript anyway, although once again their outfits are magnificent, made out of yellow and orange silk. The girl does all right but the boy messes up his interview badly, tripping over his feet on his way out. I tried to quell my pity and ignore the fact that I'm thinking he won't last long in the arena.
I started to pay attention again when the girl from District Six walks on. She looked scared and she unfortunately made the crowd bored. Fortunately for the Capitol, the boy from District 6 had made them all excited again. He was wearing a pale grey suit and a confident smile. He seems at ease on stage, calmly talking about the games and the other tributes.
Panic kicked in as the District Seven girl took to the stage. Just one more person and then it will be me. I felt my mouth go dry as it hit me. What on earth am I supposed to say? I can't think of anything right now which won't sound stupid or even insulting. I wanted to turn and run away more than ever before, only of course that isn't an option now. I wonder what they would do if I tried though? Stop me discretely? Or just gun me down right there for all of Panem to see?
"You'll be great Paige. Honest. Just be yourself," Ryler whispered, as must of seen me internally freaking out and slyly grabbed my hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
It only lasted a few seconds, but miraculously it seemed to work. I'm filled with such gratitude that it's all I can do to not to start crying, because I know doing that would ruin everything. I smiled gratefully at him before turning back round, spotting that the girl's interview is now over. The boy steps out and then I'm front of the queue. Having composed myself a little, I'm keen not to lose it again. I forced myself to focus on the District Seven boy's interview, which was boring.
"And now, the girl everyone is seriously dying to meet," Caesar said, "Here, all the way from District Eight we have the lovely Paige Dyne!" The audience cheered while I stepped blindly towards Caesar. The cheers are just as loud as the parade! I'm going to be deaf after this. "Welcome Paige ! You look beautiful tonight," Caesar complimented, after we shook hands.
The crowd settled down and my interview began.
"Thank you, Caesar. You look very handsome yourself, the purple suits you," I complimented back. I bet that every other tribute thought "stupid flatterer" but I had no choice but to act like that. "And what do you know, we're matching!" I added laughing and the crowd laughed as well. His hair had a dark shade of purple.
"Why thank you, Paige. Indeed we are matching. Your stylist has done an amazing job,"
"Yes, I'm very happy to have Valeria as my stylist. She's amazing. Thank you, Valeria!" The audience cheered both for me and for Valeria
"So, Paige, what do you think of the Capitol so far?" he asked.
"It's wonderful! The people are so nice here!" I said sarcasm laced in. I would much rather be back home in District 8 with my family. "You know I could hardly believe my eyes when I arrived here on the train," I continued, still with an undertone of sarcasm.
Luckily, people didn't notice. Most of the audience smiled with their oddly colored lips. Caesar smiled as well.
"So, will you tell us how you got your amazing score of 11?" Caesar asked.
"I'm afraid that's a secret," I replied, before gesturing to my lips and zipping them shut. "But maybe you'll get to see it in the arena," I teased smiling.
Caesar laughed in approval along with the crowd, "Keeping us in suspense I see?" Caesar asked.
"Isn't that part of the fun?" I asked, my tone now becoming a bit more serious. "I guess this score just goes to show everybody that this is the Hunger Games, and you should never count anybody out just yet," I finished, interlocking my fingers together and placing them in my lap.
The crowd loved my answer and cheered so loud that Caesar had to settle the crowd down.
"Are you nervous for the Games?" Caesar asked.
"Well, who isn't. But I'm determined to win and not to kill anyone unless it's in self defense. Because to kill someone costs everything you are," I explained, gazing at Caesar and then toward the crowd. "But you know what?" I asked leaning in, aiming for the most dramatic effect.
"What?" he played along. I could feel the citizens of Panem sitting on the edge of their seats.
I stretched my smile wide and take a pause, looking out over the audience. This moment could be so crucial and I have to play it just right. Inside my head I can hear Cecelia's voice coaching me, whispering for me to make them love me. I can almost hear her as I speak in a hushed tone that is heard all across Panem.
"It makes me feel all the better to know you'll all be watching and cheering me on. All of you,"
I meant the words I say, but not in the way these people think I do. I meant it for the ones I loved back home and for the ones I have met here I mean it for my mom, for my brothers, my sister, for my friends, for my mentors and my allies. I mean it for the people who will watch not for the spectacle, but because they love me. Though the crowd before me clapped and whipped themselves into a frenzy at my words.
Caesar had to calm down the crowd again before asking me another question, "Do you think you can win?" Caesar asked
"I can only hope. Because hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness," I answered truthfully.
I finally see how true those words actually are.
The buzzer goes off and I see President Snow giving me a murderous glare, "Ladies and gentlemen the beautiful Paige Dyne," he yelled.
The crowd cheered as the buzzer rang. I waved to the audience more as I walked off stage. Then Woof pulled me aside.
"Listen, lower the 'rebellion' talk down a bit. No more 'costing everything you are', no more hope, and 'not killing' bits. Alright?" Woof whispered harshly.
"But it's true I won't kill anyone-" Woof hushed me, and led me to sit down, so I could watch the rest of the interviews.
"Let's bring out, the male tribute of District 8, Ryler Kemp!"
Ryler moved on the stage. He really was into character, you could tell he was embarrassed by the way he held himself. He was walking, slowly and carefully to chairs and he looked like he was avoiding the looks of everyone in the audience.
"Ryler! How are we?" Caesar said with gentleness in his voice obviously noticing Ryler's nervousness.
"I- um" Ryler started and looked between the audience and Caesar. "Okay," he finished.
Caesar smiled, "Someone's a bit nervous, anything we can do to make you confident?" Caesar asked gently.
"Umm..." Ryler fiddled with his hands and looked down and looked to the side where the tributes are, and where I am myself.
We locked gazes. Oh, this type of friendship would be very loved by the Capitol. I see the camera's find me, knowing where he's looking. I smiled. I'll play my part. I gave him thumbs up, like I'm saying, he's doing alright.
He brightened up, "No, I'm fine," He quietly said, but it's heard by everyone.
You can hear the aw's from the crowd. Caesar smiled, looking at me then turning back to Ryler with a very large smile
"I'll just get on with the questions, shall I?" Caesar asked grinning.
Ryler smiled softly. Showing off, how cute he actually is. The Capitol loved it, because all throughout his interview, they were silent and had the occasional sighs and aww's. They all thought the same. The District 8's male tribute was adorable and they couldn't help but love his cuteness. I couldn't stop smiling the whole interview. Once he came down from the stage, he walked straight over to me and sat down. I give him a smile and nudged him.
"You looked so adorable up there," I said with a teasing grin.
"Shut up," Ryler commanded, he was really embarrassed now.
"No really," I said seriously.
He looked at me, "Well, thank you then. You inspired me,"
I laughed, "I didn't do much,"
He rolled his eyes "Well, you did encourage me on the stage,"
"What was I supposed to do, not?" I asked jokingly.
He shrugged with a smile. I turned back to the stage, just catching the end of the District Nine girl's interview. Mazie was her name is. She trembled like a rabbit in a snare under the stage lights, and when her interview was over she scurried off. She looked pretty though, her pale skin tan with makeup and her long brown hair brushed out like a silky cape.
Bran was up next, he strolled onto the stage he was grinning. Caesar is definitely pleased to see him. He even embraced him, pointing at his hair and joking that they're twins. Bran laughed as if he's delighted by the idea, running a hand through his hair so it sticks up comically. This drives the crowd wild. He and Caesar chat speech flowing easily between them. It's almost as if they're an old comedy duo they're so good together. Bran made a couple of jokes about his hair and how it will make him easy target practice. Caesar then suggests he should wear his chariot outfit again, to which Bran replied he wouldn't be caught dead in that. It's all a little forced, but the crowd loved it, and when he left I think there's the biggest cheer yet, beside my own.
Merona was utterly vicious. She talked about us other tributes with a snide tone, remarking how she doesn't think any of us are a challenge. Her black eyes are haunting, sucking you in with their hate. Her dress is blood red and she stroked it lovingly as she talked, as if captivated by its color. She terrified me completely.
The District Ten boy, Wyatt, is small and adorable. I find out that he is only twelve and he certainly looked like it. He captured the crowd's hearts, making them all laugh and coo in delight. I felt my own heart wrench as I watched him.
Aster, the District Eleven boy, was dressed in another ridiculous outfit which seems to resemble fancy overalls. He doesn't do so well with the crowd, answering questions both gruffly and sarcastically. It was Sage's turn now, she wore a beautiful dark green dress decorated with vines. She doesn't say much in her interview, only that she missed her home and that she's prepared to fight to return there.
Both the District Twelve tributes have their mediocre interviews and then it's done. The cheer at the end seems to last for hours, a fact I am very grateful for. Finally, the bright lights go out and we are free to go.
The interviews were over and we were in the elevator going up for a short while, but in that short time I realized something horrible. Tomorrow the Games began. A chill goes through my body and I can't even stand, I lean on the wall for support. We reached our room and I clinged on to Cecilla because the thought made me go weak. I slowly walked to my room and quickly opened the door and shut it. I don't want to go into the Hunger Games and now it is closer than ever.
I removed the beautiful dress and everything that comes with it. It took a while for me to scrub my face clean, brush out my hair, and become myself again. I'm not sure if I feel better or worse now. Before I looked like someone who might be able to take care of themselves. Now I just look like the same old Paige . This is it. This could potentially be my last night alive.
I really need some air.
I got up from my bed and I walked out of my room and tiptoed to the elevator. I know it should have a button to some place that has access to some fresh air. I scanned the buttons and stopped on the button that said 'Rooftop'. Since it's here, I'm guessing, we're able to go to it. I sighed happily when I pressed the button and it goes up. I'll get fresh air, and hopefully it will help me stop having these thoughts.
Once the door opened I stepped outside, breathing deeply. I think of the air out in District 8, the smell of smoke filled air. Despite how the smell would be to people who didn't live in my district, I like it. It's home and It's where I have lived my whole life. Here in the Capitol, it's free from all those smells, but it's not calming as I hoped.
It's better than inside at least. I walked forward, going for the edge. Not to jump, obviously. Just to sit on.
"If your going to jump, don't bother," said an awfully familiar voice.
I turned startled by my company. I recognized him immediately, after seeing him on the screen all the time two years ago. It was hard to forget him. Even his good looks and green marvelous eyes, made it hard to forget him.
"I'm not going to," I stated, still surprised that Finnick Odair is sitting down a little away, on the edge.
"Well if you did, it won't work," he said, looking away and picking up a small pile of rumble.
He gave me a look that said 'watch this' while I stood there, knowing what was about to happen. He threw the rubble over the edge, and it came back to him after it traveled a little down. He had moved out of the way for it when it came past.
"I already knew, I got too close to the edge of the balcony and it bounced me back," I said simply.
He scanned me for a moment before he said, "What are you doing up here, if you're not going to jump?" He asked curiously.
He looked sad at the same time. I shrugged and sat down on the edge, beside him.
"I needed fresh air, you?" I asked.
Finnick sighed "Same,"
We sat in silence. It was surprisingly calm. Despite the Capitol's cheers in the distance, that I had just noticed. How can they be so excited? They're sending kids to their death. I can't wait till this is all over...But what happens after the games. What don't they show on television. The madness and the real sadness of some victors is never shown, but that's all I know about what really happens after the games.
I turned to Finnick, he might have the answer, "Is it bad after the Games?"
Finnick peered at me for a second, despite being two years apart. He seemed so much older than me. He looked like he was deciding if he should tell me the truth or not. He then looked back at me, looked like he decided to tell me the truth. Even if he didn't, I would think the opposite is really what happens.
"It is,"
How bad? Does something bad happen to my family? The thoughts from earlier came back to my mind. A tear fell from my eye. I'm finally talking about it, about my worries and depressed thoughts. I'm finally crying.
"If I win, will I still have family...?" I questioned Finnick.
"Yes,"
"What's so bad about it, then?" I asked again, hoping that he didn't have an answer.
"You are basically the Capitol's property when you win and can't do anything about without destroying your loved ones," he said gloomily.
I stared at him. Did he mean that we aren't our own or something else? A flashback of today's lunch came to my mind...but he's only sixteen, no way would he have been made to do that yet. He saw the look on my face, he looked almost surprised that I know.
"I should go," I said my voice cracking, now that I knew. I could be a prostitute if I win and even if reject them, they'll do something to my family. The image of Indira, Mather, Aidan, Mom, and Micah all dead came to my mind. I started to move off the edge and towards the elevator.
Maybe getting fresh air, wasn't a good idea.
"Hey!" He took my wrist.
"What?" I muttered, tears flowing down my cheeks.
He studied my face, his eyes looked pained but determined, "If you win," He said, slowly and clearly. "Treasure your family," he stated and let go of my wrist, watching me for my response.
I brought my wrist to my chest and stare at him confused, "Okay..." I said slowly, once again looking at his eyes. They didn't show anything now. He was expressionless, but I didn't question him.
I step back and I hurried away from Finnick, going down the elevator.
Treasure your family.
Treasure your family. That's what he said. What does he mean? Of course I'll treasure my family, I always do but I could tell there was more to it. His eyes were too serious not to be. I racked my brain for an answer.
After I arrive back at my apartment and back into my room. I couldn't figure it out. I must be too tired to really think into it... but, what could he have done that he would have to give me that advice. I put on a nightgown and walked to the balcony and looked outside one more time. The night before the Games and there is so much commotion. I heard sirens and loud noises, even though I wanted quiet. I stood for one last moment to savor this, then I am gone. I snuggled up in my bed and drift off the sleep with one thought.
Let the Games Begin.