Alexandria sighed loudly as the prep team straightened her hair.
Her hair was long enough for an elaborate hairstyle, but she had gently suggested loose, plain hair.
They were trying to repress the image of Femme Fatale that she gained after the scandal with Finnick Odair,she was supposed to be the innocent granddaughter of the president,the orphan of Panem,lovely and kind..
She smiled a little as she remembered Finnick, she missed him.
He was sweet and funny, and was never anything but kind to her.But she knew her feelings for the Victor of District 4 would never be reciprocated, he loved Annie Cresta more than life itself.
She was just a pawn, a protective shield.
As long as Finnick was her lover, he wouldn't be being sold.
As long as she was vulgar and appeared glued to him on any possible occasion, he would be spared.
The louder she moaned his name on their nights together, the more protected he would be.
And there was nothing in the world worth more than Finnick's protection.
She sighed when she saw his image in the mirror.
Adorable.
She looked like a little princess that Panem loved..Bright sea blue eyes,a soft makeup,but with some shine..Long natural hair and a beautiful light blue dress, which gave the final touch to her look.
Lovely and harmles.
Sweet and gentle.
Silly, basically.
But little did people know that underneath that, there was a strategist.
She couldn't wait to play that night.Move the buttons and poke a little..
Stun the old president and put a few more libertine ideas in Havensbeen's head.It would be a long night
•••
Peeta was anxious.
Well, how can you not be anxious about that night's party?It wasn't Victor's first party he'd attended, but it was the first that Alexandrina wouldn't be his match.Since his sister turned 12 years old she has been attending those parties with him.
She was always good at it, full of smiles, winks and bright eyes.She was a lovely distraction.
—Your mind is far away today.. (Portia said as she gave the last details in her suit) I know you don't like these parties, but today you seem more disturbed than usual.
—Staying away from Alex has this feat on me, you know she's my anchor..
Portia laughed and snorted after straightening his hair.
—As things are going, little Alex is soon to become an Odair and leave the presidential house.
—But she'll be with the winner tonight, won't she?
Octavia stopped in front of Peeta staring at him seriously.
—She's linked to Finnick, that's a fact. (Octavia said) They just haven't married yet because of the rumors surrounding the capitol. Enter you and Miss Everdeen, restraint.
—Alexandrina said the same.. Do you think that's a move?-
—And isn't that all in your life?
She was right.
Everything was orchestrated, from his birth to the death of his parents.He was a puppet of the capitol.
••••
The Mellark brothers were instructed to wait for the tributes in a private room in the tribute center.
Alexandrina fiddled with her hair nervously, not knowing what to expect.Peeta was perfectly still.
—You're lovely. (Peeta told her sister)
—Thanks,brother. (She stretched out her hand to him, who held it) You are perfect, a pity we are not alike, I will miss our matching clothes. (She pouted adorably)
—Maybe if you hadn't gotten inside Odair's pants, we wouldn't be here.
—You know this isn't about me. (She raises an eyebrow) It's about another kind of flame, Mellark.
Before he could bat, the doors opened and revealed Effie Trinket.As soon as she saw them, she sighed loudly and dramatically.
—My children! (She said excitedly) My dear Peeta. (She said hugging him and kissing his cheek) How are you?
—Good, Aunt Effie. You look magnificent.
—Thanks dear. (She muttered and squeezed his shoulders) And you my little angel..
Alexandrina gave a sweet giggle and hugged Effie.
—I almost had a meltdown when I heard about the Finnick scandal, we'll talk about that later. (Effie said still hugging the girl)
—Whatever you want, just come see me, yes?" (The girl pleaded softly)
Effie took a deep breath and nodded.There was something there.Before he could interrogate one of the two Effie stood up and turned back.
—Well, Katniss and Gale, these are your companions for Festa.. President Snow's grandchildren, Alexandrina Isobel Mellark and Peeta Alexander Mellark... Mr. and Miss Mellark, these are the winners of the 74th Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark.
Alexandrina bowed and quickly went to Gale's side to introduce herself.He stood still, just staring at the girl.She was beautiful..
The most beautiful thing he laid eyes on.Peeta shook his head slightly to clear his mind and walked over to her.He took her hand and gave her a brief kiss.
—A pity to meet you like this.. (He muttered)
She only gave a brief nod.And then he walked with her to the exit of the building.
The It was going to be a long night.
