This chapter is part of the original story. For the updated (and hopefully improved) version, please go to 'Chapter Nine'.
"Some water, a knife or even matches can mean the difference between life and death. And those things only come from sponsors. And to get sponsors, you have to make people like you."
"Maive... Finnick."
Both of them look up and smile warily at the passerby who took the time to greet them.
Maive was fairly used to this formality. Her family was held in high regard when it came to the Capitol's hierarchy. However it was slightly irritating that Finnick seemed to be held, somewhat, on her level.
For what? He was a has been victor from years prior, and now… all he did was bed some women.
She couldn't be all that surprised however, this was the Capitol. Moral decay and wrong doings were seemingly applauded.
It wasn't Finnicks fault really. She knew exactly what the officials of the Capitol were capable of doing to get their way.
She could only imagine the threats he received, masqueraded as mere suggestions. But everyone knew they weren't. She can't help but wonder what he has on the line; what it is they used against him to get him to sell his soul.
Well, he was selling more than his soul but, metaphorically of course. It must have taken a toll on his moral compass. Then again he had killed people, so it was more than likely he had lost his moral compass long ago. None of it his fault of course, thats just what the Capitol does.
Giving him a side glance she feels almost somewhat bad for him.
'I don't care about you. I want your money, not your company'
As recollection of how rude he is to her time and time again forms, she stubbornly lifts her head up and stops caring about how sad his life may or may not be.
Besides, when it comes down to it, he deserved it.
His people, those of the districts, were savages. The way they lived, the things they're taught, even the way they procreate naturally... Everything about them was disgusting, and even though it had been years since the dark ages, for them to think they could overthrow the Capitol people, the people that had always done so much for them. It was blasphemous; it was treason. That is why they had to have the Games, it was a necessity to keep these people in line. They had brought it on themselves and were merely paying their dues for their betrayal.
"Maive...Finnick."
Both look up, smiling politely once more.
Finnick recognizes this lady as one of his regulars. As she passed, she gave him quite the accusing look. He undoubtedly would have to make that up to her later.
They all got so jealous. As if each truly believed they were the one and only one for him.
Not to say they were daft enough to not know he had many beds to fill, but each got this perplexing notion that they were his true love. That they were more than just a bargaining chip. Finnick had an innate ability to make people feel undoubtedly special. When in truth there were very few that he cared for at all.
"This way." He mutters, not wanting to talk too much. Especially after telling her they shouldn't.
He hadn't intended to get off to such a rocky start, and certainly hadn't expected that he'd write her off so quick, but she made being cordial with her much too difficult.
Taking a deep breath, he presses the button leading to the practice room. Some of in his connections really came in handy at this time of the year. He had managed to reserve a few hours of private practice time for his tributes.
Walking ahead of her, shoulders held high and putting on the smug appearance he tries to play to his advantage, he walks in to see Annie and Witten working on hand to hand combat.
Maive follows, a few steps behind, and keeps her distance as she observes the practice area skeptically.
In all her years living here, she'd never once seen what these facilities looked like. Never had the need to. But she was always a bit curious. When she was younger, she remembered playing 'Hunger Games' with her friends. They'd all fight over who got to be which victor; she was always Enobaria. They'd all make up, imaginary arenas and think up what kind of factors they wanted to play out. They could do that all day for days on end, they had so much fun.
It was sad really, the kids here at the Capitol played the game for fun with no repercussions. You 'die' one day, you'd get upset and then it would all reset the next day. But for a group of 24 district kids the game wasn't played for fun, and if you died, that was the end of it. There was no reset for them.
The thought caused goosebumps to spring up along her arms. As she rubbed her arms vigorously to soothe them she realized it was oddly much too cold in here. Looking around the area she takes note that the majority is covered in metal and stone, so there wasn't a strong opportunity to conduct heat, and it seemed that was done intentionally.
It was a cruel way to ensure they're only doing what need be done in here. With no cameras or officials allowed in, it could easily be the meeting place for the tributes to discuss a defiant uprising.
But the Capitol was smart, they never left the tributes enough time to talk to talk about that. Because while in here, freezing, your main thought is to keep moving and to keep warm.
Maive found herself feeling particularly uncomfortable. It was so damn cold in here, and she was bored out of her mind. Reaching into her pocket she takes a tablet of Glöm and pops it into her mouth, letting out a sigh of relief as she waits for its effects to kick in.
Hanging on the wall was a vast selection of weapons, all equally terrifying. She had never seen any of these so up close. It just added to the fear of what these objects could do to her, knowing she has no clue how to use them. Let alone save herself from their harm.
Looking at herself in the reflection of the polished blades, she carefully lifts a finger to trace against the sleek surface.
"Good." Finnick nods, pleased with Annie and Wittens work. Witten was obviously much more skilled but Annie was managing to hold her own, somewhat. She still needed a lot of work though, and that concerned him deeply because they didn't have much time left.
"Maive..." He says her name softly, not wanting to distract the tributes.
No response.
He turns back to where she was a few minutes before and sees she's taken keen to exploring this new setting. Though it seemed a specific area had caught her eye. She was seemingly transfixed on the weapon wall, and he found that to be somewhat concerning.
He narrows his eyes to watch her and see's she's tracing the blades with her fingers.
Shaking his head in annoyance he looks back to Witten and Annie.
He should've known; Capitol people were so blissfully unaware. It was almost comical, of course she would be distracted by a shiny object. Honestly what had he expected? She was basically a child, what was he thinking getting her involved in this?
However, Maives true intentions were unbeknownst to Finnick. It wasn't the lustrous surfaces that had her so absorbed, but rather the way her reflection appeared across them.
This seemed in typical Capitol fashion; self-obsessed enough to be caught up in their own appearances, but it wasn't vanity that had her so captivated but rather seeing herself so distinctly.
She had never seen herself so clearly. It was an odd notion she'd never put much thought into. In the Capitol Maive had an Avox to make up her appearance and it's not as though she could tell her if she looked bad. And with everyone going around looking the way they do and spouting off compliments to one another, boasting each others egos, it's not as though she'd ever given what she looked like much thought.
But now here she was having to face herself dead on. She stared, and her reflection gazed back at her, totally void of emotion and she couldn't help but feel somewhat spooked by it all.
Maive is pulled from her thoughts as the crash of a body against the mat echoes through the otherwise silent room.
As she hastily twists her body, to follow the sound, a sharp pain shoots through her neck. Her hand quickly finds the tender spot and begins applying pressure to the area as she skeptically looks on to see a brawny blonde boy pin his dainty companion to the ground.
Finnick's applause reverberates through the expansive room, "Excellent work, Witten. Annie, if you're up against someone bigger than you, you need to find a way to get towards their back. You can't linger underneath them for long. Because if you do, just like that," he snaps his fingers together, "you're done."
"You're right, sorry." The young girl rises from the ground rather swiftly. What she lacked in strength she at least seemed to make up for in agility.
Annie was of a short stature, Finnick and her district partner both towered over her, making her appear far more delicate.
She also had a golden tint to her skin that Maive knew would make so many of the Capitol jealous. Her tawny-ginger hair was tied in a loose bun, but in the fight it seemed some had fallen loose in front of her eyes.
Her eyes are what captivated Maive the most, they were a fern green much like her own, but there was a certain calmness in Annie's that perplexed her. Despite this, however, her eyes still had a sheepish look about them and Maive couldn't help but hone in on this.
Annie was a cute girl, and Maive could sell cute. But, she lacked confidence and wore her insecurities all too clearly in her face. That would be more difficult to brand.
At Annie's apology Finnicks face flickers with recognition. His whole demeanor shifts, his body visibly relaxing. "Hey," he steps closer to her, "Don't apologize. I'm just trying to help. If I don't tell you, no one will." At the end he tosses her a small smile, at which she reciprocates.
Watching the interaction gingerly Maive takes note of the way Annies cheeks turn a slight tint of pink, barely noticeable with her tanned skin, but she still caught it. Arching an eyebrow she moves closer to the scene, her curiosity of their dynamic piqued.
Feeling someone creep up beside him, he turns his head to see Maive has managed to tear herself away from her vanity induced stupor. He places a hand on her shoulder, "Witten, Annie, this is Maivis Furthers. She's a friend of mine here at the Capitol."
A deafening silence fills the room.
Maive tries to think of something to say, but what? She had never really talked to district people before, did they converse the same way she did? The Glöm she had previously taken was also in full effect, relaxing her to the point of slowing her thinking processes.
'What had he said? No, no one said anything. Thats right, you're supposed to be saying something… something... anything…'
Witten, the male tribute, watches as Finnick's guest stares blankly at the lot. After a moment an awkward smile spreads across her face at which he can't help but let out a soft chuckle. "Maivis, it's a pleasure." He finally speaks up as he extends a hand to her.
Maives eyes drift down to his extended hand and she can't help but wonder if it was safe to have physical contact with him without her gloves on. To be fair though she was so far off on her Glöm holiday she hardly cared anymore. Taking his hand delicately in her own she grins, "Yes, you too. And you can call me Maive."
Watching her dubiously, Finnick wonders to himself what had gotten into her. This was not the same intolerable girl he'd been dealing with half an hour ago. Not that he was complaining, whatever it is was making her much more bearable.
"Nice to meet you." Annie offers in a soft, somewhat reserved tone. She watched their visitor cautiously, unsure what Finnicks motives were for bringing her here. He said he'd do anything to help her and Witten, but surely he didn't mean it in such a literal sense?
"So, did I catch your last name right? Furthers?" Witten scratches the back of his head nervously, "As in, Agoston."
Annie's stare flickers to Witten, furrowing her eyebrows in confusion, before looking back to Maive.
"Yes," Maives eyes shine bright at this connection, "He's my father."
Witten sucks in his top lip, making a popping sound as he releases. Turning to Annie, he can see her confusion and explains, "She's the daughter of the Head Gamemaker."
At this revelation Annie shrinks back.
Why was Finnick doing this? This girl was the spawn of the enemy, why would he bring her here?
She looks to Finnick, her normally calm eyes full of alarm, as she seeks answers.
Sensing her panic, Finnick lays his hand on the small of Annies back in a gesture to soothe her. Closing his eyes for just a moment his brain races with ideas on how to smooth over this situation. "Yes…" he starts off slowly, unsure of where he's going at this point, "Her father is the Head Gamemaker. Her whole family is very invested in the games," he explains, eyes darting between the two tributes, "and she's looking to possibly get more involved this year."
"Like, as in sponsorship?" Witten asks, his previously suspicious feelings dissipating.
"Hopefully." Finnick nods before glancing to Maive, who hadn't said anything these past few moments.
The district four trio stared expectantly at Maive for several, silent, beats as she stared back at them blankly. She was either incredibly reticent or there was something legitimately off about her.
Through gritted teeth, Finnick manages out her name, "Maive…"
"Yes…?"
At her confused approval Finnick clarifies, "Yes you will?"
'Yes, I will what?'
Was it just her or had this interaction been going on for hours?
Surely it couldn't be just her feeling this way?
What was she doing here again?
Finnick had brought her to meet his tributes and…
'He wants me to… sponsor?'
Yes, right, he wanted her to sponsor them!
"Yes, I'll sponsor."
That answer surprised even her. She hadn't really been expecting to help Finnick, but at the moment it seemed like the right idea. Whatever got her out of this prolonged interaction she was supportive of.
All three faces before her express vastly different emotions. Wittens is that of appeasement, Annie's cautious, and Finnick, appeared genuinely surprised. He really wasn't sure what to expect in bringing Maive here. His main reason for wanting her involved was her connections and her money, but he hadn't expected her to agree so easily. While caught off guard, he was pleased nonetheless.
Clapping a hand against Maives back he grins, "Then it's settled, we have our team."
As the group broke into pairs Witten used this time to get to know Maive. Annie was a close friend to Finnick, and he'd be looking out for her over Witten any day, so she already had that advantage over him. He needed to get Maive onto his bandwagon if he wanted a real chance at lasting in this game.
As he conversed with the Capitol girl a bit he grabbed a bundle of knives and began to practice his aim. Not that he needed it for this particular skill set.
Witten had excellent accuracy, so it was far more likely that he just wanted to show off. After all, Maive was a pretty girl and he was headed into death, so who was he to deny himself these last little pleasures.
Over in the distance Annie watches Witten work his magic on Maive. Witten seemingly had it all. He was good looking, charismatic, and had skill. He had scored fairly high in trials, and had confided in her that he held back to avoid being seen as a threat. This humored her, in a un-comical sense. Even holding back he was better than her. Even at his lowest he, and pretty much everyone here, could beat her.
Witten had promised to help her, said they'd work as partners. But that could only last so long and she knew no matter how close they got, they were still each a blockade between the others survival. This was a game of kill or be killed, and if she wasn't caught on the opposite end of Witten's knives, it would just be someone else's. There didn't appear to be any way of winning for Annie.
Moving to stand beside Finnick, she glances at him from the corner of her eye and can't help but imagine for just a moment that they're back home. Sitting at the beach watching the waves crash into the shore, or sitting with their legs dangling off the end of the boat docks. She'd give anything to go back there for even just a moment.
It was like she didn't even get the chance to enjoy those last times because she didn't know they'd be the last.
As she hugged her father goodbye, his beard rubbing against her face, she could feel his tears and was able to process this would be the last time she saw him allowing her to appreciate the depth of the moment. As the train sped towards the Capitol, and the scenery of the only home she'd ever known began to disappear into the horizon, she knew it would be her last time she saw her home and was able to appreciate its beauty. But for some reason it hadn't registered that this was one of her last few moments alone with Finn, and once it hit her, it hit like a pile of bricks.
Her fingers instinctively searched for his, tracing over his knuckles for a moment before taking hold of his hand. Looking down at their intertwined fingers she can't help but smile softly at the way they fit together so comfortably.
Finnick was caught off guard by the sudden gesture, but as her fingers interlocked with his a calmness washed over him. A calmness only Annie seemed to bring him.
What was he going to do without her?
He instantly scolds himself for the thought, though deep down knows it's a reality he's going to face. He had mentored ten tributes in his years as a victor. Thats ten people he had gotten to know only to watch them die. After the first year he had learned to cut his emotions off enough to not get too attached. But this year was different. Annie was his friend, his closest friend, and had been since they were both young. He was already very attached and had no way of shutting it off at this point. He wanted to be supportive of her, and was, but he also had seen enough in his life to not be naive. Annie couldn't win this, not that he would ever tell her that, but he knew and he was going to have to make peace with the fact. But how was he expected to when Annie was pretty much the only thing to bring him any sort of peace. After his games he had come back a shell of his former self and Annie had nurtured him back, at least as much as she could. He never was truly the same after the games, but who is? When Snow began to proposition him and all his 'mingling' with the Capitol people began, when he felt so dehumanized and could barely face himself, Annie soothed him. She never asked him to talk about it and still without knowing what was going on, managed to make him feel whole and human again. She was his biggest supporter, always had been, and now it was his turn to support her and he was terrified of failing her.
And when he did, he had no clue how he'd be able to cope. Annie was his comfort, she was his home. He needed her in his life. She had saved his time and time again, and now it was his turn and he was willing to do whatever it would take to help her.
"So Finn," she calls for his attention, looking at him with soft eyes, "You really think this girl can help?"
Shifting focus, Finnick cast a glance over to where Maive stands, enthralled in what Witten is telling her. "I'm not sure." He speaks honestly, "But it's worth a shot."
She nods, understanding that this is all a gesture for her but she still couldn't understand why he chose her. Everyone in the Capitol was wealthy and it's not like her connections would serve much more help than anyone else's would. Yes, she was the daughter of the Head Gamemaker but it's not as though she could convince her father to keep certain tributes alive. ...could she?
No, there had to be more to this girl; more to this situation. "Is there something going on between you two? Because you could tell me if there was."
She didn't know exactly what he got up to on his trips here at the Capitol. But by this point she'd heard enough rumors and hushed whispers to have a general idea. Not that she'd ever explicitly bring it up with him. Whatever, or rather whomever, it was he was involved with here seemed to be the one aspect of his life that he wanted to keep to himself.
It was possible Maive had some tie to the secret life he led here and that would explain his desire to have her, of all choices, be their sponsor.
Turning to her with an amused grin he chuckles, "No." It was true. "We honestly don't even get along very well. Getting her to sponsor was a shot in the dark. I'm just as surprised as you that she agreed to it."
As she listens to him Annie chews on her inner lip lightly. "Why'd you pick her to sponsor then? I mean, there are plenty of wealthy Capitol members around that do like you, right?" She just couldn't shake this idea off.
Finnick rubs the nape of his neck, trying to relax as he moves in closer to Annie, "Don't bring it up," he gives her a warning look, "but, with her father being head game maker it's a given their family is very well respected here, and I figured if others see her supporting you, they'll jump on board and sponsor you as well. I chose her for you, not me, truly." He offers with a smirk.
Annie studies him skeptically for a moment. "Well, excuse me if I don't totally buy that. She is quite beautiful."
He stiffens up a bit and gives Maive a look over before releasing an exasperated breath, "I guess...if you're into that sort of thing. But I'm not, this is strictly business."
Annie gives him a sly smile, she didn't completely believe that but she'd accept it. "Well, glad to hear it. I can't afford for you to have any distractions." She jokes, but it's the truth. This was her life on the line after all. "Plus I would hate to come out of the games and find you have paired off with a Capitol girl in my absence. After all the work I've put in, I'm not letting you go quite that easy O'dair."
At her flirting Finnick can feel his heart rate pick up a bit. Not that it was ever serious, but there was still an inkling of 'what if' for both sides. "Well, there's no reason to stress, Cresta. Finnick Odair can never be held down by a woman, let alone some Capitol brat."
"Yes, well Finnick Odair should also not talk about himself in third person. It's creepy." She nudges him with her shoulder, and genuinely laughs for the first time in days.
As Maive and Finnick leave the practice room, the two walk in dead air; both in their own heads.
Maive was slowly coming down from her Glöm holiday and was horrified as she started to realize what she had unknowingly just signed herself up for. She had initially just been using this as a chance to get out of the house and watch Finnick grovel, but thanks to her stupid pills he didn't even have to do much to get her to agree to become his little lap dog.
"What made you decide to help out?" Finnick interrupts her internal pity party with obvious caution. It's not as though they'd gotten off to the best start and while he was always pleased to get what he wanted he was surprised she hadn't put up more of a fight. Maybe he was overestimating her challenge level?
Annoyed by his sudden interruption, Maive looks to him with vexation, "I thought we made a deal not to speak?"
She knew this entire process would be much more simple and run a lot smoother if her and Finnick could manage to get along, but she honestly couldn't imagine how to go about making that happen. Frankly, they were much too different and had already gained such great animosity towards one another in what little time they knew one another.
Hadn't they?
Turning to observe him she can see the aggravation in his face and hear the frustration in his voice as he bites out a resilient, "Fine, forget I bothered."
He moved to walk paces ahead, deliberately trying to get away from Maive and despite every nerve ending in her stubborn body screaming at her to stop she hurries to catch up to him, laying a small hand on his forearm, "I'm sorry."
She felt as though she were spewing poison, the words were like acid on her tongue. This felt wrong in every way, but she knew in the long run the two of them needed peace if they ever dreamed of trying to be successful in this endeavor. He needed her, whether he wished to admit it or not. She knew it, and knew deep down he knew it too which is why he'd never really push her all the way away. He couldn't afford to. He wanted to keep Annie as safe as they could manage, and Maive was the key to that.
He had to tilt his head down to be able to look her in the eyes. She was much too short, like a small child. She was just as defiant and stubborn as one as well.
The look in her eyes showed how hard that was for her, and while he was pleased by her apologizing he still wished to push her buttons a bit, finding amusement in doing so. He liked her bark and strangely was curious to know what it takes to get her bite. "Wait what was that? I don't think I quite heard you…"
Suddenly her eyes become hooded, darkening, as her whole expression hardens. Through gritted teeth she mutters, "Don't push it Finnick." Before pushing past him and walking steps ahead, leaving him down at the end of the hall where he stands smirking over his latest win in their ongoing battle.
The auditorium was filled with the sound of excited murmurs overlapping one another, however above all the non distinct noise rang out Caesar Flickerman's pre-recorded voice. His jovial tone only seemed to amp the audience up further as they settled in to their assigned seats, more than ready to get the nights festivities started.
The week leading up to, as well as the duration of, the games were mainly just a grand scale social event for the Capitol people. One giant party, and the Tribute Interviews was one party that everyone would kill to be on the guest list for. While the auditorium was rather large, they only allowed one hundred or so of the Capitol's top tier to be in attendance. Anyone could sit at home and watch, but you had to be someone, or know someone, to be there experiencing it all first hand.
Being in the audience, and listening to the Tributes stories, getting to know them on a personal level...or as personal as they'd get. It was as intimate a moment that any Capitol member had with a District Tribute, that they didn't have to pay for that is.
Through the course of the night, different Capitol members formed attachments to different Tributes, which led to them paying any price they could to help keep that tribute alive. This became less of a charitable notion as the games began however, and more of a standing competition amongst the wealthy members of society over whose Tribute would last the longest.
This night didn't just benefit the Capitol members best interest, this was also an opportunity for the tributes to get the right people to like them and gain sponsorships.
Maive could only hope Witten and Annie wouldn't make her job too difficult and be as charming as possible tonight. They were the hoi polloi though so her expectations couldn't be too big or she'd likely just be setting herself up for disappointment.
"Excuse me." She pushed her way through the expansive crowd attempting to set her path straight to the back where she was supposed to meet up with Witten and Annie. She could certainly give better tips to them on how to win the likeness of the Capitol over Finnick. He was an outsider looking in with only a small scale idea of what these people were truly like. She, however, knew how they thought, and how to translate those thoughts into sweet melodies to the Capitol peoples ears.
"Maivis, darling! Come, come."
Maive can feel her stomach drop at the sound of her mothers voice. The entrance to backstage was mere feet away and Finnick was likely already stressing over how late she was and going on about how 'typical' it was of her. That clearly showed how little he knew her, she was far from typical. Wasn't she…?
"Maivis, dear!"
Despite the ill feeling that had washed over her she knew how to put on the act at this point. She'd much rather disappoint Finnick over her mother. He didn't matter in the slightest.
'1,2,3 smile.'
Shrugging off previous concerns she turns on her heel, a kind smile pressed on her face as she moves towards her mother.
Within moments Maive is able to register all the women standing around her mother and can't help but scold herself for the decision to acknowledge her. She could only imagine how mortified Petra would have been had Maive blown her off in front of her closest friends. The thought causes her smile to grow more prominent as she reaches the ensemble.
'1,2,3, deep breath.'
"Mother." She nods curtly to the women before being pulled in by her hand, for a kiss to the cheek. This was unusual to say the least. The Furthers family was not affectionate by any means, apart from her father, so this act of tenderness felt rather foreign to Maive.
"She raised the most eloquent daughters…"
"Their family is so well put together, I envy it."
The women around them murmured their approval over Petra's superior matriarchal skills to one another, clearly not seeing this act was no more than a charade and instead believing in the family image her mother tried so adamantly to forge.
As she pulls back Maive watches as her mother grins smugly to her comrades, their little audience.
That's all any of her mothers friends were, an audience to the show Petra put on for them. And Maive, and her sisters, and their father were all merely puppets used for the self gratification of her mothers status.
"You look absolutely stunning as always Maivis." One women finally speaks up, looking upon Maive with kind, coral colored, eyes which complimented her salmon dyed skin and peach infused hair beautifully.
Maive is able to tell instantly the women before her is her friend Amara's mother, Maylia.
"That's very kind of you Ms. Aurant. Thank you."
"The girls are over there," the women speaks up again, gesturing to a specific point in the late crowd before them. "Second row. " She boasts with a delighted clap of her hands, "All thanks to my husband of course."
Petra narrows her eyes slightly at the women as the others turn their attention from her and Maive to praise Maylia. "That's great, but had you told me the girls wanted the best seats Agoston could have gotten them front row with my girls." Petra shrugs as if its nothing, but the dig was still there, "But oh well, second row isn't that bad."
Maive silently observes how the women watch her mother with admiration, but behind that was deep envy and even deeper loathing. They worshipped her now but the moment she faltered any of them would jump at the chance to take her place. None of them were true friends to Petra, and she knew that, which is why she had instilled in her daughters the ability to not be completely trusting of those they surround themselves with. She would berate and degrade her daughters, but what they didn't see was that she did that only to make them stronger, and she'd be damned if she let anyone else do it.
As a few silent beats pass, Maive finally speaks up as she looks on to where her friends sit all giggling excitedly for the show to begin, all blissfuly unaware that they were the real show; their day to day lives and the acts they put forward.
"Yes well, I might catch up with them a bit later but I actually have somewhere to be right now." As she attempts to excuse herself she feels her mother take a firm hold of her arm, and winces slightly at the pressure.
Raising a slate eyebrow Petra studies her daughter with extreme precaution, "Don't be unkind Maivis. Where would you rather be then with your friends, watching the interviews from the seats the Aurents were so generous to grant you with?"
Maive didn't dare break eye contact from her mother; they were standing so close in proximity that Maive could see the outline of Petra's contact lenses against her eyes. "I certainly don't wish to come off as unappreciative. The seats are great, and there is nowhere else I'd rather be. But, Finnick asked me to help him backstage with something first…"
While Maylia and the other women had been quietly chatting amongst themselves they grew suspiciously silent as Maive and her mothers encounter reached this revelation, clearly not wanting to miss out on any drama within the perfect family.
"Finnick?" Her mothers facial features never falter. She continues to hold a look of indifference as to not give away her sudden fear. "You're spending an awful lot of time with him as of late." She purses her lip as she feels the other women's eyes probing her, all of them likely thinking her youngest daughter is enlisting the late night company Finnick provided. She could feel her heart rate pick up as she begins thinking of how quickly news of this would spread through the Capitol. It was well known that certain members of their society paid for this sort of dalliance with the handsome district boy, but that didn't mean it was applauded. Rather exactly the opposite, it was looked down upon and no one wanted to be outed for paying for that type of luxury. Petra certainly didn't want people thinking anyone in her family did, news of that sort of thing breaking would surely cause the upheaval of her standing social rank.
"What for dear?" She finally finds it in her to formulate words, blinking rapidly as her nerves grow.
Watching as her mothers long, false lashes brush against the apples of her cheek, Maive knows exactly what everyones thinking and while she would love to knock her mother off the high horse she rides oh so firmly, she wasn't wishing to do it at the expense of her own reputation.
"I've seen all the work and money you and father put into the games year after year and its truly inspiring…" Placing a hand on her mothers forearm, she forces a delighted smile, "So, I've decided to sponsor this year. And Finnick is desperate to get money from me, not surprising though given his reputation…" Maive turns to the group of women with a coy laugh at Finnicks expense. She felt slightly bad for poking fun at something she didn't really understand, but his character had been shot to hell long ago by the Capitol people and there was no reason she had to go down with him.
The ladies laugh comically with her, despite this however, Maive was fairly certain at least a couple of them had done just the thing they stuck their noses up at and made jokes of.
A wave of relief washes over Petra, but considering she hid her true emotions so well, it went unnoticed by everyone but her.
"Well, I always say to find something to show your worth, its too bad that's all he's good for and has to offer though." One women shakes her head, feigning disgust. Unbeknown to the other women that she had taken in Finnick's company just the night before.
"That's…" Untrue. She wanted to scold them for being so callous of Finnick, but the way her mothers head snapped towards her at her interruption made her second guess, "Very true. Can't expect much else from those District savages though." Maive waves her hand in disinterest, "I should go though and make sure they have everything ready."
"So generous of you Maivis, they'd be such a lost cause without you I'm sure." Maylia nods, "You'll have to talk to Amara and the girls about joining you and sponsoring as well."
Her face brightens at this, thats exactly what they had wanted. This was almost too easy, "I will certainly do that, and maybe you all can look into funding as well. District Four has some great tributes this year, you'll see for yourselves." She nods expectantly, "Now, it was lovely seeing you all but I must go. Enjoy the show and I'll catch up a bit later." Kissing her mothers cheek once more, she can't help but feel they can all see how unnatural this is for them both. But as she pulls away they are all watching the exchange, awe and envy once again filling their eyes.
As she walks away from the group she can't help but reflect back on the idea that the women had honestly thought, even if momentarily, that she was actually paying for Finnicks company.
Just because some use him in that way doesn't mean she would. She couldn't even imagine.
Casual sex was a regular occurrence in Capitol society. Experimentation with one another and themselves was not only encouraged, but taught, from a young age. While it was most obviously meant to take place with one another, it wasn't unheard of for some to be into exploring the wild desires of what it would be like to be with the untamed, District people. While Maive didn't necessarily get squeamish at the idea of intimacy with anyone, she didn't actively seek it either.
Secretly she craved a deeper intimacy than what was brought on by being physical. It was an unpopular opinion, but she wanted to be touched by someone emotionally before giving herself to them. However it didn't seem anyone was able to reach her on such a level and therefore she remained untouched in every sense of the word
"Do you have permission to go back here?" A peacekeeper tears her from her internal reasonings as he blocks her step into the entrance.
"Yes, I'm supposed to be meeting with Finnick Odair." She ventures to pass through, but one of the Peacekeepers pushes her back a step in one steady, mechanical, motion.
"As if we haven't heard that one before."
"Think of this as us doing you a favor, we're probably saving you a fortune." Adds another, causing them all to laugh.
Of course, they too assumed the worst of her intentions with Finnick.
'1,2,3 deep breath.'
"You look a bit younger than his usual clientele." She ignores their continual mocking jabs at her and peers around their bulky figures into the dimly lit hall behind them. A lot of people were bustling amongst each other, all trying to get ready for the show that was starting soon.
Amongst the small crowd her eyes settled on a head of full bronze hair as it begins to fade into the distance the further back down the tunnel he goes.
"Finnick!" She calls loudly, "Finnick!" At her outburst the guards begin shooing her away and when that doesn't work they take hold of her roughly to keep her from squirming past them.
Distantly hearing his name being called, Finnick turns to see where the outcry was coming from and catches the tail end of the peacekeepers attempt at keeping Maive at bay.
Jogging up to the scene he pats one on the back, "Whoa, gentlemen where's the peace?" He jokes, squeezing between them, and draping a somewhat protective arm over Maive, "She's with me. And late…" He mutters the last part to her, giving her a stern look. "So if you'll excuse us."
Reluctantly the men make way for the duo, and Maive feels rather fortunate she can't see their facial expressions behind the head gear as she passes, giving them the most mocking smile she can possibly manage.
Once they're a fair distance away she notes that Finnicks arm is still draped over, causally shrugging it off, she lifts her arm to get a good look. "Oh, that'll surely bruise." She mentions upset.
Turning slightly to look at her raised arm he can see where the bruise if forming beneath her fair skin. "They weren't man handling you for too long before I noticed we're they?" He looked back at the guys with disgust in them, and somewhat himself for possibly letting it go on for too long. Not that he could have done much else differently but it was part of Finnicks character to play the hero. The need to save the damsel in distress was somewhat a fatal flaw of his.
"No," She assures, shrugging the incident off, "I bruise easily is all. I think I'll live though. So if that was your attempt to off me you'll have to try much harder."
"I'll keep that in mind." He casts one last look at her bruising arm, before focusing back on the more pressing situation at hand. "Annie and Witten are with the prep team now, they're pretty nervous."
"And by they you really mean Annie?" Maive guessed, knowing from their previous encounter as well as from her own, personal, research, that Witten was made for this sort of thing. He was humorous, charismatic, and rather easy on the eyes, the crowd would love him.
Finnick doesn't have to say anything, his silence concludes her theory.
Knocking on the open door, everyone in the small room turns to see him walk in followed behind by Maive.
Annie tries to retain a neutral expression upon Maives entrance, still not sure if she really trusted her for her own sake, let alone Finnicks.
Upon entering the room Maives eyes grow wide in delight when she see's Annie, "You look beautiful." She wasn't one to hand out compliments, but the girl before her deserved all of them. "Honestly, you look stunning, very nicely done." She nods to the prep team in great approval of the mermaid styled dress they designed.
Annie had to agree. Her dress hugged her hips so beautifully, and the bodice complimented the curves she had previously kept hidden. Her hair was waved down to her mid back, yet pulled away from her face enough to show off her eyes; they were the most captivating thing about her appearance. She looked like the very sea princess's she had read, and dreamt, of as a child. Too bad it was all for such poor circumstances.
Shifting focus to Witten Maive smirks softly as she looks him over. His hair had been brushed and groomed nicely out of his face, as well as being put in all dark clothing, as to allow his welkin blue eyes to be his prominent feature. It worked exceptionally she was drawn in and knew the audience would be as well.
"Yes, she looks like the goddess of the sea!" The appointed District Four escort exclaims excitedly, "And you," turning to Witten, "A debonair gentlemen truly worthy of Capitol attention!"
"Maivis..." One of the members of the prep team speaks up, recognizing the girl. "What are you doing here?"
"She's our sponsor." Witten explains with an excited grin.
Her fellow Capitol members turn to her, surprise evident in their eyes. They all did this because it was their job, they had to. But for her to willingly be making the choice, it set a certain standard for the rest.
"I figured she'd be able to pull more peoples interest into the games." Finnick explains a less detailed reasoning to the others.
Nodding the escort thinks it over, "Yes, if one of them is doing it they'll all want to join in and may even try and top her sponsorship with an even more lavish offering. Very, very, clever Finnick." She hands him the tributes answer cards with a large, joker, smile plastered on her heart shaped face.
Taking the cards Finnick quickly skims over what they have written. "This is good, but I was thinking Maive could also give them some additional pointers?"
"Brilliant! She is more in touch with how these people think, so she'll know exactly what they want to hear. If you find that you enjoy this process Maivis you should really look into escorting." She offers, raising a chalice of wine to her, "I'm going to go scope out the competition, come you all." with her index finger she gestures the prep team to follow her out of the crammed room.
After they're left with just the four of them Finnick gives Miave a nod of encouragement to begin as Annie and Witten gather around her.
Maive thinks over her words carefully, "The group of people nearest the front, those are your best candidates for sponsors, they're the most wealthy and have the most access. So Witten, smile charmingly to the girls, and Annie the boys. Catch their eyes, make it feel very personal like you're talking right to them and theres no on else in the room. Mention things like how you feel so blessed to be here at the Capitol and witness such a grand lifestyle up close. Make yourself seem very grateful." They loved feeling praised. "They love people with confidence, whether it's forced or not." She gestures to Finnick, everyone knowing that despite his reputation he was a favorite here. "So try to play that off convincingly." She glanced over to Annie at this point, knowing Witten would have no trouble with this.
"This is going to be great!" Said boy cheers, "I'm so pumped!" He roll his brutish shoulders back as if he we're preparing to head into a fight, "Thanks for the pointers Maivey." He teases leaning down to kiss the dainty girl on the cheek in thanks. With her helping this was all going exactly as he needed it to.
Ignoring the comment about faking confidence, knowing there was only so much she could fake at one given time, Annie looks to Maive unsteadily, "Make them feel like there's no one else in the room? I'm not sure I understand how you expect us to do that."
Thinking this over a moment, Maive clears her throat, walking over to Witten, "Pretend to be Caesar and ask me a question."
"Um..." Witten shifts his head side to side trying to think of a worthy question, "Got one," He coughs a bit before putting on an obnoxious voice and wide smile, attempting to imitate the host of the interviews. "What are your opinions on the game?"
Going into act mode, Maive puts on a bright smile, "They're wonderful! It's a great way to not only remember where we come from, but what we've endured. The Games keep everyone and everything in its place. I cant imagine a better way of showing pride in our beautiful Panem! Besides," Turning she faces Finnick, her eyes demanding to hold his attention, and they did. "Without the Games I would never get the opportunity to see your world, better understand you, and meet the wonderful people I have. And with that alone, I feel like a true winner." She's silent as her and Finnick stare at each other, neither daring to break contact with the other and sure enough it's as if everyone else around them had disappeared.
"Alright I think I've got it." Annie smiles softly to Maive before nudging Finnick out of his trance, "Thanks."
"You're good." Witten waggles his index finger a her, with a broad smile before tapping Annie's shoulder and gesturing they should go get in line with the others.
"Thanks to both of you I think we're going to knock them dead." He nods in appreciation to both Finnick and Maive, before disappearing into the crowd of tributes.
Annie begins to follow but right before she leaves out the door she turns back, walking to Finnick and she pulls him in for a deep hug, "Thanks for everything Finn." She whispers against his ear, her eyes watering in fear over the interview and also the realization of the last moments with Finnick. As she pulls away she kisses his cheek, and wipes away the mark her lips leave, before turning to Maive. Tossing her a faltering smile she takes in a deep breath before exiting the room leaving the last two alone with their separate thoughts.
A few silent moments pass, though not particularly awkward but rather somewhat comforting. Amidst all the chaos of the games, the two were left in a peaceful silence, even if only for a little bit.
"Well," Finnick finally speaks up, breaking the dead air, "I guess our work for the night is over, shall we go watch them all crash and burn up there?" He jokes as he offers her his arm to escort her to their seats.
"I can't imagine anything I'd rather be doing. But I know plenty of others I'd rather do it with." She teases, taking hold of his arm and looping her own through it as they walk out of the room. Past the line of tributes, and clusters of escorts and prep teams, and finally past the Peacekeepers she'd had her altercation with earlier. Smiling to them once more she's filled with a childlike joy at the idea of telling her father of how poorly they treated her, and getting them blacklisted. Her mind was so preoccupied by the fantasies of the sort of power her father held she hardly noticed the hushed whispers around her as her and Finnick took their seats.
"Maivis, come sit over here!" Amara and the other girls wave her over excitedly, gesturing to the open seats.
"I'm good here, but you do as you wish." Finnick declines politely for himself, settling into his seat.
"I always do." She scoffs, surprised he thought he needed to remind her to be her own person or something?
Looking over to her friends she shrugs, "I'm good here," before sitting down next to Finnick. Having watched the exchange after a moment he leans over to her, "Sorry, I didn't mean to keep you from your friends, I just don't really feel like dealing with Capitol bullshit tonight."
"Oh, is it your night off?" Before she can even think it over she's already said it, and while she had only meant it as an innocent tease she never knew how Finnick would take certain jokes. He could be so uptight sometimes, and other times…
"You mean you won't be paying me at the end of this? Thats the only reason I've been putting up with you." He turns to her, wearing a mask of feigned shock before breaking his seriousness and tossing her a playful wink. As Caesar welcomes out the first tribute from Distrct one, Finnick turns to Maive and holds a finger to his lips to tell her to be quiet.
Narrowing her eyes at him Maive shakes her head in slight annoyance, before turning her focus to the show.
"How much do you think she's paying for tonight?"
"I don't know, I just can't believe she'd want to parade him and their affair around so openly."
"I wonder what that poor Crane boy thinks of this all…"
She hears the whispers coming from behind where they sit, but she can't find the courage in her to turn and face the gossipers. If she could hear their harsh statements so clearly, then Finnick probably could as well. Looking at him from the corner of her eye she doesn't pick up on any directly noticeable changes in his behavior.
"It's disgusting, who does she think she is shoving this in all of our faces. It's obscene! Her parents must be so proud, after all that work and money and she's going to parade around with a District boy."
It didn't matter that he didn't show it, she knew he heard what they were saying and while she admired his ability to remain unfazed, she didn't possess that gift naturally. But she could achieve it rather simply…
Discreetly reaching into her pocket, she takes a tablet of Glöm and places it against her tongue allowing it to fizz and dissolve into her palate. She sits back and waits for the effects to kick in and drown all her worries away, even if only for some time.
Feeling her shoulder brush against his arm, Finnick turns slightly in his seat and watches as Maive pops a pill. He knew that all Capitol members were prescribed the drug but he wasn't aware she relied so heavily on them in situations such as this. He put the thought in the back of his mind, but made a note to keep an eye on her and this habit. Glöm pulled people out of their every day lives, taking them on a high they couldn't come down from until the point of unconsciousness. He couldn't have that sort of thing right now. He needed Maive fully focused on helping Annie, not doped up on her magic escape pills.
Hopefully you all don't hate how I portray Annie. There is no way of totally knowing how she was before the games, but I try to do her justice. Let me know what you think.
xo Eva