After the disaster that took place a few hours ago, Luce and Finnick were now sitting and waiting. This was the only time they had left of getting to relax and enjoy freedom before leaving in the morning to the arena. Unless by some miracle they had decided to call it off. Luce sat nervously, while Finnick quietly conversed with Mags as they waited for Zachariah to return.

The escort had gone off to find out more information on if the Games would actually be cancelled or not thanks to the bombshell Peeta dropped during the interviews. She had to admit it was a good and convincing lie he gave, and hoped it was enough. But with their luck, there was a hint of doubt that anything would change.

Finnick stood starting to pace, the tension getting to all of them. "I doubt Snow could care less. He just wants to be rid of us."

As Luce shrugged the door opened and Zachariah appeared, a grim look on his face that could only mean one thing. He took a second to compose himself before explaining.

"Peeta's baby reveal was a good attempt. Unfortunately it wasn't enough to call it off. Everything will still continue as scheduled.."

Without a word Finnick took off toward his room. Luce watched him go, unsurprised by his reaction as she wanted to do the same. She then looked to Zachariah in case he had any further information or instructions for them but he just shook his head and took a seat of his own.

There was a good minute of silence before he decided to speak again, "In the morning Mags and I will walk with each of you to your stations where you'll be sent up. Can think of it as our final goodbye."

Luce gave a small smile at his attempt of comfort. But she knew there was no coming home this time. She had already survived once, surely she wasn't so lucky to survive a second time. It wasn't how this world worked. But she had faith in Finnick, his strength and will to live was much stronger than hers. If he couldn't fight for himself, she knew he would at least fight for Annie. To get back home to her.

Back home she had no one. Sure there was their parents, but in the end they didn't count the same. Growing up she was already a shy person. While growing up and training, there wasn't much room left for friendships or relationships. Not that there was anyone she fancied either way. But now she would never get the chance to try.

Standing up there was a knock at the door. Being the closest she motioned to one of the servants that she would open it herself, and when she did wasn't shocked to see who was on the other side. Haymitch.

Stepping aside she allowed him to come in, an awkward but somewhat soft smile on his lips.

"I'm sure you already know why I'm here." He mused as he moved further inside. Crossing her arms Luce nodded and followed him.

Haymitch eyed Zachariah a moment before giving a look of 'please get out'. Zachariah took the hint and went off somewhere else in the apartment. Turning back to Luce he was back to his regular demeanor.

"Well I'm sure Zach explained to you two that the games are still on. But what you need to know is that it's not going to be the same as your first games. There will be new and dangerous challenges." He explained making her think back to when they were on the train and Zachariah had told them that this year would be different.

"You make sure you stay close to Finnick alright?" He said low, his tone showing he was nothing but serious as he made direct eye contact with her. "He'll make sure you stay alive. After meeting with the others I can safely say that half of the tributes are in on it all. So if you all stick together, everything should go accordingly."

Luce was taking in as much information as she could, and nodded that she understood as he continued to watch her. He nodded in return and relaxed a bit as he pulled away and gave a quick pat to her shoulder.

"Good luck out there kid." He said before walking away to the bedrooms. To Finnick. She followed right behind him making a noise to stop him, which only made him chuckle as he glanced back at her.

"Relax sweetheart, I'm just informing pretty boy of the same thing."

Stopping she decided it was best to let them talk. Looking at the time she knew she needed to get some rest if she was going to be as ready as possible tomorrow. Hugging Mags goodnight she headed to her room. She tried to sneakily listen outside of Finnick's door along the way but it was no use as she couldn't hear a single thing being spoken inside.

Surprisingly the moment her head hit her pillow she was fast asleep. After recounting the events of the day there were plenty of reasons for being exhausted enough to pass out. She could only hope she'd sleep through the entire night without any nightmares. Just a comforting silence.

But just like any good night's sleep, it was over too soon and she could feel herself being gently shaken awake. Opening her eyes she sleepily looked over to see Finnick sitting at the edge of her bed. A trail of light sneaking through her window and illuminating the grim look on his face. It was time.

She sat up slowly and gave herself a moment to fully wake up before dragging herself out of bed. She stalled as long as she could while getting ready, mentally preparing herself for her inevitable fate.

Putting on her outfit, an interesting choice that made her ponder what type of arena they'd be in, she gave herself one final look in the mirror before walking out. Finnick, Mags and Zachariah all waiting for her. Noticing something off she looked down at Finnick's wrist and saw a gold bangle around it. She was curious on when he had gotten that as it didn't look familiar from back home. Was this what Haymitch had talked to him about last night?

Leaving the apartments and to the flight ship that would take them to their starting places, her nerves slowly grew more and more. As they got closer all she wanted to do was run, run away and never look back. Feeling a hand on her shoulder she flinched and was surprised to see that the hand belonged to Zachariah. Although he had his moments, she never figured him to be much of a caring person. But over the past week she got to see a different side of him that was more pleasant.

He gave her a sad but encouraging smile as they boarded, and she silently thanked him for his support. Once seated they were given their trackers and buckled in for their short ride. Hearing the engines come to life and the rumble of the aircraft lift into the air she reached for Finnick. He took her hand and squeezed it, giving her a look of 'It's going to be ok'.

Even if she wanted to, there was no going back. This was it.