Chapter Seven: The Nightmare
It had been maybe days or weeks since they had won the games. Flora was rarely seen in the district. If she was, it would be because she was trying to spend the money she had gotten in the poorer shops in the district. Katniss and Peeta were trying to do the same. Flora heard her phone ring several times throughout the week. She ignored it. She didn't want to bother anyone. She sighed while sitting on the bed. She had thought about going out today. Hearing a knock on her front door. It was Katniss. She let herself in.
"You need to answer your phone. Effie keeps calling. She's worried about you. Also, my mother wants you over for dinner as well." Katniss spoke. Flora nodded her head lightly. "I'll come over. I'm going into the district here shortly." Flora spoke as Katniss stopped her.
"Call Effie." Katniss gave her a look.
"Why? She's with the Capitol. She shouldn't be worried about some wasted victor." Flora spoke.
"She checks up on Peeta and myself as well. You are the only one who is burning bridges." Katniss spoke as they left the empty house.
"What bridges do I have left to burn?" Flora nearly snapped.
"You have people who care about you." Katniss spoke. Was Katniss trying her luck against her today? They walked down the path in silence. It felt odd. She was not supposed to live to see herself coming of age. Now, it seemed people were trying to give her attention. Especially the men.
"I'll turn you straight." Was the main pickup line that they would say to her. She would scoff at them before taking off. The women in the district were avoiding her now. Like she was some plague brought in by the Capitol. She felt out of place. Like she didn't even belong here.
"Why are people looking at us like that?" Katniss asked.
"It's because of me. I'm a disgrace." Flora spoke.
"Why, cause you're gay? People need to get over it." Katniss spoke. Flora sighed. Katniss happened to be her biggest supporter in this. Ever since Peeta outed her, Katniss was nothing but supportive.
"Hey there Mrs. Mellark." Katniss spoke.
"We don't serve your kind here." She spoke, staring at Flora.
"She's still the same person!" Katniss spoke.
"Katniss. It's fine." She spoke as she left the shop. Hearing people call her names as they pass by her. She frowned. Was this going to be her life from here on out? Maybe since she was now a Victor, was she able to move away? Maybe go somewhere far away from everything. Away from others. Others that despised her for being who she was. She had always felt different and now her district had alienated her. Katniss had come back out and led the way. They were at the black market. Flora was browsing around while hearing a conversation Katniss was having. She walked over to listen better.
"Look. Everyone is different. Times are changing. Maybe for the better or maybe not." The old woman spoke.
"What do you mean?" Flora asked.
"I've said too much. Here. Take it." The woman spoke. Handing Flora a mockingjay pin. It was gold like Katniss'. It was in different colors. Like a rainbow. She raised a brow as the woman left. Flora followed Katniss out while pocketing the pin.
"What did she mean?" Flora asked. They arrived at Katniss' house. Her mother was in the kitchen and Flora frowned.
"Hey there Katniss." Prim's voice came. She smiled lightly and gave Flora a hug before leaving to find her cat.
"Not everyone hates you." Katniss spoke. Flora knew Prim was different. She didn't judge others.
"Katniss. Gale stopped by and dropped these off." Mrs. Everdeen spoke as Flora followed her friend into the other room. "Welcome Flora." The woman smiled at her as she nodded. There was a smell of cooked meat in the air. Her stomach had growled. It had been a while since she ate a decent meal. The phone had rang. Katniss left to answer it.
"Come help me." Mrs. Everdeen spoke at Flora. She walked into the kitchen to help. She started peeling potatoes.
"Peeta and Haymitch are coming over. Be sure to peel plenty." Flora was instructed.
"Make that another plate. Effie will be here shortly." Katniss spoke. Flora felt her hands freeze at the name.
"Ouch!" Flora spoke. She had cut her thumb and began to suck on it.
"Oh my dear. Be careful." Mrs. Everdeen spoke while pulling Flora to the sink. Rinsing her cut before wrapping it.
"Thank you." Flora spoke softly. She moved her thumb. It stung a little but ignored it.
"They're here!" Prim shouted. Peeta, Haymitch and Effie all came through the front door. Flora was in the sitting room reading a book. It was about the history of Panem.
"Hello hello! Oh hello!" Effie's voice rang over the silence as she was greeting everyone.
"Where is Flora?" Haymitch spoke.
"Sitting room." Katniss spoke. Flora sighed. She would have to slap Katniss later. She wanted to be alone.
"Hey there princess." Haymitch spoke as Flora snapped the book shut. "Hostile as always. I don't know what the Capitol sees in you. Speaking of which, you are wanted on the train tonight." Haymitch spoke as Flora glared at him.
"The Victory tour isn't for a while." Flora spoke.
"No, but Snow wants to speak with you." Haymitch spoke. Flora frowned. What could Snow possibly want to speak to her about?
"Couldn't he just call?" She asked.
"Well, you don't answer your phone sweetie." Effie spoke as she was in the doorway. Flora flushed at the name Effie called her. 'Stop it!' She mentally told herself.
"Dinner's ready." Peeta called. Flora set the book down and brushed past Effie. She caught wind of the strawberry smell again. She took a seat next to Katniss and sighed.
"What's up?" Katniss asked.
"I'm wanted in the Capitol." Flora spoke while watching the others get food on their plates.
"The tour isn't for a while." Katniss spoke while eating some bread.
"That's what I said. Apparently Snow wants a word." Flora spoke while grabbing a piece of bread as well.
"You won't like it." Haymitch replied.
"Did I ever?" Flora coldly responded.
"Young lady." Effie's voice spoke as Effie gave her a look. Flora looked away to avoid those blue eyes. She huffed and began to eat. It was filling her stomach and she was grateful to Katniss' mother's cooking. Not that she didn't know how to cook, she just wasn't taking care of herself.
"There are going to be parties and whatnot that you are required to attend after the meeting with the President and of course, as your escort, I will be with you the whole time." Effie said while waving her hand in a circle. It was slow and elegant. Katniss snorted as Peeta gave her a side eye.
"Chop chop dear! We leave soon!" Effie shouted.
"I will be going as well. I'm supposed to coach you. Like you would listen anyways." Haymitch spoke.
"Is Cinna going to be there too?" Katniss asked as Haymitch nodded.
"He is her stylist as well. Don't worry Katniss. He will be back by the time of the Victory tour." Effie explained while she was on some form of device.
"What's that?" Peeta asked. He was also curious.
"It's an invention called a cell phone. Only certain people have it in the Capitol." Effie spoke as she put the device away. Flora had finished and helped Mrs. Everdeen cleaned up and washed the dishes.
"Time to go." Haymitch spoke as Flora waved goodbye to the others.
"Get clothes packed." Effie spoke.
"Forget it. I want to buy new clothes." Flora nearly growled. She heard a gasp from Effie as she went on about a bonding time while mentioning a shopping spree in the Capitol. 'Great.' Flora thought as she followed the other two towards the train. There was name calling and what not towards Flora from the others.
Flora sighed and went straight to her room on the train. The familiar bed she had come to know when she was a tribute. She heard a knock.
"Flora. We need to talk. Come out." Haymitch spoke. She opened the door and followed Haymitch to the sitting car in the far back of the train. Effie was sitting on the couch. Legs crossed. Her shoes matched her purple outfit today. The shoes were fluffy like her top. 'Why are you looking at her? Pay attention.' The voice in her head spoke as she sat down between them.
"Why were they calling you those names?" Effie asked.
"I'm an abomination." Flora replied. District twelve was definitely a conservative district. "They aren't used to things changing or being different." Flora added. She crossed her own legs and rested her hands on her lap. She felt Effie rest her hand upon Flora's shoulder. She ignored this.
"Now. Since Peeta did not keep his mouth shut, a peacekeeper overheard the conversation." Haymitch started. Flora gave him a questioning look. "To answer that look, you are of age now. He is going to either sell you for a night or two to the highest bidder or find you a suitor." Haymitch explained.
"What?!" Flora jumped up nearly screaming. She wasn't property!
"It's what happens when you win the games. If you are considered desirable, Snow will use you." Haymitch added.
"Just me?!" Flora snapped. She could see Effie frowning. It looked like there was hurt in her eyes.
"Yes. Due to her being with Peeta. They are off limits." Haymitch explained. Flora slumped down in a chair. "Snow is aware of your ahem. Sexuality. He took it into consideration." Haymitch spoke. That still didn't help the mood.
"So, there will be a few parties to show you off before he makes his choice." Haymitch spoke. 'Great.' She thought. "You will get to meet a few other Victors as well." He added.
"Is this all?" Flora asked. She was annoyed. She wanted to be left alone. District twelve was no longer in sight as now there were fields outside the window.
"Yes. Cinna is waiting for you in your room." Haymitch spoke. Flora jumped up and quickly left. Feeling eyes on her as she did. She came to her room and sure enough, Cinna was in there.
"Hello there, Flower Girl." Cinna smiled as he gave her a hug.
"Hello Cinna. Good to see you again." Flora spoke. She eyed the clothes on the bed.
"Dresses for the party. I heard that you are going shopping with Effie for a new wardrobe." Cinna smiled as he sat down.
"Um, I guess I'm going with Effie." Flora shrugged.
"It sucks being a Victor. I know." Cinna spoke as Flora frowned.
"I want to be the one to pick my suitor. I want the feelings to be mutual." Flora sat down while feeling defeated.
"Would you choose a woman?" Cinna asked as she nodded her head. If she had to have a suitor, it should be a woman. "Come. Let's try some of these on." Cinna spoke hoping to cheer her up. Flora stood up and nodded. Most of them were white. Some were pink or red in color. They all had some form of flower upon them. Flora had forgotten about some things as she was trying on different dresses. Hearing a knock as Cinna opened it.
"Just in time." Cinna spoke as Effie stepped through the door and gasped. Her hand over her mouth.
"You look beautiful." Effie spoke. Flora flushed and turned away. She tried on the red one which was her favorite. Effie kept making sounds due to her loving fashion.
"Effie. At this rate, we'll be shopping for several days." Flora spoke with a chuckle.
"Nonsense dear!" Effie beamed. "I know the best shop in the whole Capitol and I am taking you there." Effie spoke as she set the dresses to the side that was tried on. The last one was a pink one. It was her favorite one. The feeling of it. It was a simple one. She wanted to keep it on but Cinna said no. He would be taking it to the hotel she would be staying at.
"Why not stay at my place! Plenty of room! I'd love the company!" Effie beamed while following Cinna out of the room. Flora was not far behind. They were in the dining car of the train. Flora smiled at the food. She was hungry. Though, she had to remember to not get too comfortable with Capitol life. She started to eat. There was even apple juice! She smiled while drinking the whole cup.
"It's like you're not fed in the district." Effie spoke. Flora frowned at that. Her eyes met the blue ones before looking down.
"Sorry. I am. I just. It's nothing." Flora spoke. "I'm going to turn in." Flora spoke as she said her goodnights before heading to the bedroom she was assigned to.
Flora had come upon a field of flowers. Feeling the soft wind against her hair as it waved past her shoulders. Flora smelled the air as the scent was overwhelming. The different colored flowers were dancing in the wind. She found herself dancing along the flowers. The trees were singing in the wind with their branches. The forest circled her. The flower clearing was rather large. Flora had gone back to dancing. Her movements were fluid against the wind. It was as if the wind was instructing her through the movements. She felt her heart soar at the feeling she was having. Dancing. She felt free. Free from the name calling. Free from the negativity of her home. How the people treated her there was beyond her. Here, she felt like she belonged. Hearing a giggle, she turned and saw a woman in pink. "Effie?" She asked as she danced towards the woman. It was the Capitol woman.
"Dance with me." Effie was smiling. She took Flora's hands and began to dance. Leading her through it. Flora was smiling at the woman. "I finally have you to myself." The dream Effie spoke. Flora raised a brow. "What do you mean?" Flora asked. The dream Effie only smiled and leaned in. Pressing her lips softly against Flora's. Flora didn't move. Only instead, she let the woman take the lead.
"Look out!" A shout caused her to pull back. Effie was gone. Nowhere to be seen. Instead, she saw Rue. Flora turned and flung her knife. Seeing the knife in the chest of the boy she had killed. Rue's screams had hit her.
Flora leaned up screaming on the top of her lungs. Thrashing about as she fell off her bed. She was panting. Trying to catch her breath. There were loud knocks on her door.
"Are you alright?" The voice of Effie was on the other side.
"I'm fine!" Flora shouted. She was covered in cold sweat from the nightmare. 'Was that a nightmare?' She had asked herself before standing up. She had looked in the mirror and could barely recognize herself. She was still pale and thin like she was before the games. She had taken a shower and changed into black dress pants and a white button up shirt. She put her rainbow flower on her shirt while her mockingjay one in her pocket. Looking out the window and seeing the Capitol was not far from sight. She decided she would get something to eat before heading out. She sat down at the table while Haymitch and Effie were chatting away.
"I would rather stay at a hotel. Your place scares me." Haymitch spoke as Effie scoffed. Flora raised a brow. It was the first time she ever heard that sound from the woman.
"What about you dear?" Effie spoke as Flora had started eating an apple.
"Huh what?" She asked while. She was lost. It seemed like she came into the middle of a conversation.
"Don't be ridiculous, she's staying at the hotel." Haymitch spoke.
"Actually. I would feel better if I was staying with Effie since she is supposed to take me shopping. Plus, she's the best escort. I wouldn't be able to get anywhere without her." Flora spoke. This made Effie beam at her.
"See! I told you." Effie smiled while taking a drink of her coffee. The train had slowed down. Letting them know they had arrived at the Capitol.
"We're here!" Effie shouted while smiling. She wrapped an arm around Flora's shoulder and led her out onto the platform. There were many, many citizens there screaming and chanting her name. "See dear. You are loved here." Effie smiled while taking the lead. She turned to face Flora while raising her hand and did a come hither motion at her. Flora obeyed and followed Effie. There were two separate cars waiting for them.
"If you go in, dear." Effie spoke as a man held the door open. Cinna and Haymitch entered the other car as Effie entered the one she was in.
It seemed like a decent car ride as Flora was silent. She felt odd being back in the Capitol after surviving the games. She was looking out the window and saw a different part of the city. Trying to memorize everything she saw. She couldn't. The car had pulled up to the edge of the road by a rather large looking building.
"My apartment is on the middle floor." Effie explained while bringing her suitcase. It was pink on wheels. Flora followed her inside and went up the stairs. It was a beautiful building. They arrived in the lobby as Effie opened the elevator with a key. Walking inside as she followed the older woman. Raising a brow as a s button was pushed.
"Why is Haymitch scared of your place?" Flora asked. Wondering if she made a mistake or not.
"My place is a reflection of who I am." Effie spoke. 'Oh dear.' Flora thought. Her eyes were showing a horror look before they arrived on the floor. Still following her escort as they arrived at a door. Effie unlocked it and allowed Flora to enter first. She did. She was immediately greeted by several colors of different furniture, flowers, curtains, decorations. Flora's jaw dropped. It was a very feminine environment and she was loving it!
"What do you think?" Effie asked.
"I love it!" Flora spoke while looking around.
"Your room is through here during your stay. My room is a few doors down on the right." Effie spoke while opening a door on the other side of the apartment. It was a decent sized bedroom. It even had its own bathroom! The room itself had a queen size bed with a pink and blue bedspread. A small couch by the window and a radio. It was cozy. Flora walked into the room. Sitting on the bed. She sank into it. The softest bed she had ever felt. She took off her shoes and laid back on the bed. Hearing a chuckle.
"I might never leave. It's too comfortable." Flora spoke with a smile.
"I'm okay with that." Effie whispered. Flora wondered if she was meant to hear that or not. "Well! Dinner will be served soon. Tomorrow we'll go shipping and then see the President. Then there are the parties. We are going to have so much fun!" Effie spoke before taking her leave. Flora sat back up before walking over to the window. There were several people in different fashion styles walking past the building. Flora had wondered what life would have been like not having to worry about your next meal. Or if you would even have hot water for a shower. She had an uneasy feeling in her stomach again. She didn't deserve any of this. Yet, here she was. In the Capitol.