After his first tribute dies, he leaves the room. He gets in the elevator and exits the entire building.
All around him, the city roars. Through every window is a television screen. In every reflection is someone celebrating the newest Victor. The rain of confetti from the balconies far above him is barely enough to conceal his gaunt expression.
He walks and walks and walks down the same street for what feels like forever. It snakes through the wild beating heart of the Capitol and out the other side. On the very end, before the road meets a T-junction, sits a twelve-story building utterly dwarfed by those about it.
Pushing open the door, he finds it to be a lounge. Everything is draped in red velvet edged with gold. Potted palms are shoved into every corner. Soft jazz music fills the air. A few patrons here and there, but otherwise the place is empty.
Wonder takes a seat at the shiny bar and orders something he's never heard of before. It's delivered to him within seconds. Right when he goes to take a sip, something hard and bony pokes his shoulder.
"I didn't know you knew this place." It's Electra. She slides onto the stool next to him.
He nearly chokes out of surprise. "I wasn't expecting you here!"
"I think you'll find that this place is a regular haunt for quite a few Victors." She sneaks a sip from his drink. "It's pretty quiet, out of the way…"
"Ah, I see."
"Heard you lost your first tribute today."
Wonder stiffens up. Right when he'd actually forgotten, for a few blissful moments, he gets reminded again.
"I know, it's rough." Electra touches his shoulder. "Mara's been doing this for years, and she's still not over it."
The thought of continuously being gutted, year after year, makes him want to crawl into the nearest alleyway to shrivel up and die.
What could he possibly say to that?
The world is now crashing back down on him again.
But feeling Electra's hand on his shoulder, so warm and solid…
Hopefully the world holds off long enough to enjoy her company for just a bit longer.