Chapter 35: Today's Friend, Tomorrow's Enemy


Scarus held out his hand for Sera as they stood on the mezzanine a few steps away from the landing the grand staircase in the Presidential Palace. The Palace was decorated once more for another Victory Dinner which was really more of a ball than a formal dinner. Yet with all things in the Capitol, nobody really cared and most were there just to have a good time. Some like Sera would rather be elsewhere.

Though neither Scarus or Sera wouldn't lie and say that the decorations and festivities weren't nice to observe from a distance. For Scarus, the faux smile and laughter was something comforting as it was all he knew but for Sera she preferred the decorations. She didn't really care much for the people despite what everyone thought of her.

"There's a lot of people here." Sera said.

Scarus nodded. "Yes, Minister Thistlewood and the Senate wanted to really celebrate the start of a new decade of the games."

"So they pushed for an extended guest list?" Scarus nodded once more.

Sera glanced around the ballroom, taking in the change of the ballroom. It was dressed according to the victor's district. Four was the winner this time around and to commemorate the district of fishing and water, the crystal chandeliers were replaced by pearl chandeliers strung together like a net. The walls had changed temporarily into an iridescent scalloped patterned wall and even the curtains were changed to a sea-blue to match the district's theme.

"Are you looking for him?" Scarus asked, eying her carefully.

She rolled her eyes and tried her best not to curse out loud. "I have no idea what you're talking about, I'm just admiring the decorations."

"It's nothing special. It was like this for your Victor's Dinner."

"I don't really remember it." She was being honest too. She couldn't really remember her Victor's Dinner much apart from that little moment where she accidentally found Leora and Cashmere being drugged before she was dragged away by Finnick. Back then she was lost that she didn't know anything, where she was going or what was happening.

Things were somehow better when she was ignorant to the world around her.

Scarus believed her when she said she didn't remember the dinner yet he couldn't help but think she was looking for Finnick Odair. "President Snow won't be pleased." He warned her quietly. It wasn't right for him to use his position to his advantage but he couldn't help it.

"I suppose I should shut my eyes or blind myself so that way I won't see anything you don't want me to." She muttered. That seemed to do the trick as the guard promptly closed his mouth.

She went back to her observation and took note how the Capitolites were dressed less like exotic birds but more like rare fishes or sea creatures in various shades of blue, green, silver and some in gold. Some wore iridescent white or cerulean outfits that reminded her of a wave in the sun when they moved.

From the corner of her eyes, she could see Scarus looking displeased. She ignored it and pretended to observe the scene some more while in her hand, she counted the exits and entrances.

Four exits and two entrances.

The entrances would be closed once the dinner began and Annie along with the last of the guests made their entrance. She was sure there were other exits she didn't know off, perhaps the ones used by the President or the members of the Senate and she was okay with it. She didn't need to know about those.

What she knew was enough.

All of a sudden the music quietened and the whispers grew louder. Sera's gaze went to the grand clock above the ballroom and back down where she caught the eye of Fulvia. She smiled a little in response before turning away.

The time was getting closer.

Scarus chose to return to being quiet. It was clear to him that her attention was not him and he didn't want to raise his voice to grab her attention, not when she looked a little better than the last time he saw her. She was watching the festivities in a trance yet he was too busy watching her and he wasn't the only one.

The moment Finnick stepped into the ballroom, his eyes were drawn to Sera who looked over the ballroom with a pensive gaze. He almost glared at the person standing beside her but instead plastered a smile on his face, taking Annie's hand.

Annie Cresta's entourage arrived with a quiet cheer. Not many were that pleased with her win. She was a divisive victor, much like Sera. Unlike Sera who had her strangely interesting attachment to flowers in part to her late aunt's profession as a florist or her show of kindness and mercy to her allies alongside her skill for throwing knives, Annie had nothing. All the new victor was known for was her impressive swimming skills and perhaps her bright coral hair. If anyone won due to the odds being in their favor, it would be Annie.

The hungry eyes of the Capitolites followed her as she moved. The poor girl had a bright smile on her face, ignorant of the gazes of her observers. She clutched the pearlescent skirt of her pale sea-blue gown that made her look like she had just gone swimming, her hair didn't help either. It was gelled into soft waves, giving the illusion of wet hair with little pearl-like beads dotted on her hair.

Her eyes found Sera immediately and she beamed brightly at a familiar face. Sera smiled weakly and turned away from the scene before looking over her shoulder to check the clock.

Annie looked beautiful and so bright that Sera almost regretted what she was about to do. Taking in a deep breath, she looked down at her own appearance, so different from Annie's, like she was almost the exact antithesis of her.

A black satin gown with silver beaded blossoms of thorn apples, leaves of creeping willow and some small barely visible clusters of wild tansy. Her hair was held up with a simple pin along with a few heads of dried white roses that some might confuse her being on the President side which was half-true.

She didn't really care. She didn't care when she noticed Finnick's questioning gaze on her hair pin, she didn't care when President Snow nodded approvingly at her. She didn't care about anything anymore.

Thinking about it, she and Scarus almost looked like a pair with the only two being dressed in dark colors. Yet unlike Sera, Scarus wore a black suit with a forest green shirt and an emerald brooch on his coat. He had more color on than her for once but he wasn't mourning like she was.

The clock chimed loudly signaling that it was almost time. Annie smiled and laughed, chatting animatedly with the guests. The Capitolites seemed won over by her at first glance, at the second glance, they weren't focused on her words but more on the way they moved.

She turned away and made her way down the stairs. Scarus behind her within seconds. He always stayed behind her five steps. This time he chose not to offer her his hand as Sera met with Huxley halfway down. Her brother-in-law glared at Scarus and Scarus had no choice but to look away. It did upset him that the object of his worship despised him yet the thought of being so close to both him and Sera pleased him.

"You're late." Sera softly said, taking Huxley's arm. "Zephyr came with me but where were you?"

Huxley didn't want to talk let alone in the presence of so many Capitolites yet he knew Sera was truly concerned. After the death of her aunt, she had developed a habit of keeping track of her family, no matter if they were completely safe. He tried his best to dissuade her bouts of paranoia but it didn't help that Zephyr also joined her. The two had strangely gotten along more lately and he didn't know if he should be concerned. After all, the two were more alike than anyone could see.

He sighed and carefully glanced around before answering. "Talissa wasn't feeling too well. She almost threw up after having lunch."

Sera's grip on Huxley tightened and she nodded. She was afraid. Huxley patted her arm in comfort, guiding her to where Zephyr, Emilia and Eos were gathered. "Have you taken her to a doctor?" She asked in a small childlike voice.

"She refused to go. She said that she'll be fine after a nap."

"And you believed her?" Huxley shrugged in response.

Emilia stopped mid-laughter once she spotted Sera. The two shared a knowing look before greeting each other. The former escort pulled the young girl for a quick hug before Zephyr, Sera, Eos and her started to talk about something Scarus didn't particularly care about. Huxley would chime in now and then to fill up the void of silence but he would make sure to ignore the guard.

"So what's gotten you two so upset on such a joyous night." Emilia questioned with a bright, half-drunken grin. "Oh don't tell me! Is it a boy?"

Scarus jolted awake from his temporary daydream to stare at Sera who shook her head. Though unbeknownst to her, her ears had turned a light pink that Scarus did notice. It was gone quickly and he didn't even have an opportunity to remember it well.

"No, my sister is apparently ill now." Sera answered, taking a drink that Zephyr was holding onto her for. A light blue sparkling liquid, the same as Zephyr's drink. Neither had any idea what it was and all they knew was that it wasn't alcohol.

Huxley rolled his eyes. "She's exaggerating, Lissa must've eaten something bad for lunch and she didn't feel too good."

Emilia smiled knowingly and took a sip of her drink. "Oh dear. Is that so?" Huxley nodded. "Then tell me dear, did you and her have the same meal?" Huxley nodded again and Emilia's smile stretched wider before she giggled with glee. "My! You should take her to see a doctor soon! If what I know from my experience is true then I expect you two to have some good news."

Her brother-in-law was taken aback by Emilia's remark. He understood what he meant and so did Sera. The two shared a look. Surprisingly, Huxley smiled. A few passer-bys stopped to stare at the former victor's rare smile. Silence fell for a second but it was quickly crushed once Huxley glared at them and people hurried to get out his view.

"Early congratulations from me." Eos held up her glass but the smile on her face faded once her gaze met Ovid. She quickly drank her drink and put it on a passing tray. "I see Ovid is here tonight." The azure haired stylist stared down at his former partner in contempt.

"What's his problem?" Zephyr questioned, blocking Ovid's gaze and standing in front of Eos.

"Nothing much. He's probably angry that Cygnus Sarto passed over his suggestion and chose someone else as his protege."

"Who's Cygnus Sarto?" Zephyr looked to Sera who wasn't really paying attention.

"The former District 5 stylist—Ovid's predecessor." Sera answered distractedly. "There really is more people here than usual."

"That's because the Senate was in charge of the invitations and as anyone can see they wanted to usher in a new decade of the games with as much fanfare and grandeur as possible." Emilia remarked, glancing towards Sera who again was distracted. She was eying the exits once more, counting them and the people in the ballroom. The entrances were being shut, signaling that the celebrations had begun.

"Isn't the President the host of the dinner then why—"

"President Snow was taken ill recently." Scarus answered for her before she even finished speaking. "Though he is mostly recovered, my godf—Minister Thistlewood and a few members of the Senate offered to...aid him."

Emilia giggled in response, quietly dropping an apology before she covered her mouth. "How convenient." She commented, eying the Minister who had just entered with much fanfare accompanied by his sister, Tamora.

"It's not nice to gossip, Ms Merchant."

Emilia's eyes twinkled with mischief as she nodded. "Of course, of course but one can never stop rumors and gossip no matter how hard they try."

Scarus pursed his lips in displeasure and was soon called away by the appearance of his father, Consul Redcliff. Only when he left did they all feel like they could breathe.

Immediately Emilia turned to Sera and said. "It seems everything is in place."

"Almost everything." Zephyr countered before lowering his voice. "Snow's ill. When did that happen?"

Eos took a few steps forward and looked around discreetly. "Must be an assassination attempt." She took a swing of her drink and looked at Sera. "He'll be on his guard tonight."

"And so will everybody else." Huxley sighed and swirled the pale green drink in his hand. "It's not too late to tell...the Gamemaker to call it off."

But Sera didn't want to call it off. "On the contrary, it'll work out better if he is on his guard. I'm not worried about the others..." She trailed off, subtly motioning towards the half-drunk and half-drugged guests who were slumping over each other with bright and dumb smiles ignorant to what would become of them soon.

"Still, you should've gotten rid of that plant in your apartment." Zephyr was not happy when he discovered the lily of the valley plant in the plant nursery in her apartment. If anything went wrong, she'd be the prime suspect in the President's eyes. "If anything goes wrong you'd be the prime suspect."

He was right. President Snow would suspect her before anyone else which was all the more reason why she was the one who came with the plan but not the weapon to execute the plan.

"Hardly. I'd rather be suspected and cleared of something I didn't do than be caught for something I might do." Neither Zephyr or Huxley had a good feeling about this but they had no choice. Huxley was keeping an eye on her to make sure she didn't do anything too reckless while Zephyr was actually part of the plan. "Did you take a look at the guests?" She promptly changed her focus.

"I did." Zephyr stared at the lacquered wooden ballroom floor and paid close attention to the details on the floor. "Everyone on the list he gave is here."

"Yes, that's great and all but why was Tamora added to it." Emilia stopped smiling and her eyes narrowed on Sera. "I may not think too kindly of her but she is our ally."

"Isn't it obvious why?" Nobody had any idea why Sera added that woman so it wasn't as obvious as Sera would've liked. She clicked her tongue in annoyance that no one was thinking about the most obvious answer. "She's a liability."

"Yes but she's...she's truly on our side."

"Emilia," The old escort looked up. Her age appeared more apparent to Sera then more than ever. "You have to see that a friend today is an enemy tomorrow. We can't leave any loose strings."

Huxley stopped breathing for a second. Those eyes. Sera's silvery eyes flashed with something so foreign yet something so recognizable that he had to look away.

How long had it been since he saw that spark of madness in her?

He didn't remember.

Perhaps it was during her games or a few times after she left the arena. He didn't remember it well but he knew it all too well.

Without thinking, he grabbed her arm to stop her before she fell deeper to an abyss she would never be able to climb out. But his sweet sister-in-law only smiled in response and turned her attentions to her co-conspirator, Plutarch Heavensbee who alongside his assistant Fulvia had taken their places.

A silent hush fell as the President appeared moments later. All the people present bowed their heads in respect before the President signaled for the festivities to begin. He truly did look worse than what Sera had seen of him before. His skin was paler and she could've sworn it was tinged with a slight green. Yet despite his sickly pallor, he appeared just as regal as always in his stark white two piece suit that made him stand out among the ordinary men and women.

The sounds of violins pierced through the silence as they began to play a rapid tune before other string instruments accompanied the violins. Harps, cellos and more carried on accompanying the cooling tunes before flutes and pianos joined in harmony.

Laughter and chatter rang out as the ballroom floor cleared. Many couples dressed in scales of vivid sea-colored shades stepped onto the floor. Their hands joined and separated as their feet moved in unison like waves parting from the shore before meeting once more.

Some applause followed led by Annie Cresta, the victor of the 70th Games who laughed the loudest. Her gaze was so bright that it was almost blinding. Yet Annie herself didn't dare step onto the dancefloor not until Sera did at least.

Scarus strode across the ballroom and stood in front of Sera with his hand out. This time she couldn't say no as many eyes including the President's were on hers. Hesitantly she took his hand and let him lead her onto the dancefloor.

She inhaled sharply as his other hand gripped her waist tightly, pulling her in. Their eyes meeting, silver clashing with gold before the two began their clash on the lacquered dancefloor, gliding past the other happier couples.

"You don't seem so happy to dance." Scarus dipped his head low and close to her ears.

She pulled away and with a blank look said. "I hardly ever dance in these balls or dinners. It's nothing personal."

"I imagine you'd rather be in his arms."

The corners of her lips went up and she let out a sigh. "Honestly," Scarus perked up. "I'd rather be back in District 5 with my family. I don't quite enjoy these...types of events."

"Ah so it's not me."

"I never said it was." She was sick of him pitying himself at every turn. At first, she did feel bad for him but now she was sick of him pitying himself.

Scarus hummed in response. "President Snow has decided that you'll no longer be taking on any extra duties." His words almost made her freeze up and stop but she carried on. "Instead Annie Cresta will be taking those duties."

Poor girl.

Sera expected it to happen if Annie should've survived and she suspected Finnick knew. He fought quite hard for Annie to be put to rest yet despite Sera's choice pouring water on his efforts he still hadn't broken off their relationship. Still Sera knew it was on the verge of collapse, nothing good in her life lasted for long. He too would leave her soon especially if he knew what she was plotting.

The violins quietened and slowed their pace as the harps grew louder. "Then I suppose I won't have to sleep with you anymore..." Scarus' grip on her tightened and then loosened. He tried his best to keep his breathing even. "You must be relieved."

"Relieved?" He echoed her words as his eyes became unfocused. "...Yes...I suppose I am." He didn't look relieved at all. He seemed troubled and a little annoyed, not that she cared.

When he looked at her, she was smiling up at him but her gaze was as hollow as a doll. "Of course, I know you don't particularly care for me and your main focus is your ambition but tell me, Icarus..." The way she uttered his name quietly just for his ears to hear sent shivers down his back. For once, he was a little wary of her. "Will you do anything for your ambitions?"

He was left speechless. His mouth suddenly dried up and his chest felt heavy. The words at the tip of his tongue were stuck and refused to come out. He had to force himself to speak. "...of...course. Ambition and glory are the only sure things in life."

"Would you turn your back on those you care about to keep yourself afloat?"

He swallowed and nodded. "I'll do anything." And in response, she looked up at him with a bright smile that almost made him trip. Her eyes weren't hollow this time.

They separated momentarily as Scarus spun her around before stopping her and dipping her low. The two carried on their routine before it was time to switch partners. He almost didn't let go. His grip on waist tightened and he reluctantly spun her around the last time before she landed in the arms of her next partner.

"Well isn't this a pleasant surprise." Finnick grinned at her as his arm circled her waist and his hand found hers.

Her breath caught in her throat and for a moment, she forgot how to breathe which only made him smile even brighter. "I thought you didn't dance." She said when she did manage to snap out of her daze.

"What made you say that?" He spun her around a little, guiding her through the dance floor.

She raised her brow, a little impressed by his steps. "Because you're always at the sidelines...just watching but I can see you can in fact dance."

"I can dance." He confirmed. "I just didn't have the right partner."

"Hmm." She hummed in response as their hands separated and met again after a short spin. "And did you find one."

"Well..." He only smiled in response. "I'd like to think I did."

"Is she pretty?"

"Beautiful." He replied as the two glided across the floor. The dance floor emptying a little allowing the two to move with more ease. Her skirt glided across the floor as he left her hands and moved to grip her waist before lifting her up. "You see she has these beautiful silver pensive eyes that remind of the moon and black hair like the night sky. She's just...stunning." Heat crept up her cheeks, painting her cheeks in a light rosy shade. "And did I mention how easily she turns pink whenever I—ow!"

"Oh no. I accidentally stepped on your feet." She grinned up at him and he only laughed in response.

"That didn't feel like a mistake." He bit his lips to suppress another wave of laughter. "It felt like you were almost...jealous."

Sera scoffed. "Jealous? Me? I don't waste my time on petty feelings."

Finnick tilted his head to the side before leaning into her neck, his lips brushing her ears, sending shivers down her spine. She bit her lips in response to quieten herself. "A shame. You'd be quite adorable if you're jealous."

She pulled away with a quiet laugh and separated. The two dance longer than she had with Scarus. Something almost everyone had noticed. The dance floor began to clear and the lights dimmed a little, almost putting the two in focus.

For a moment, the two were in their own world, forgetting all about their duties and worries. Not caring about the envious gazes of Finnick's many admirers who for once had chosen to not interfere. President Snow chose not to stop their dance and watched them like a hawk while carefully paying attention to the reaction to Scarus and Minister Thistlewood.

"Annie seems to be enjoying herself." Sera remarked, noticing how quiet the floor had gotten. There were only a few couples left on the floor.

"She does, doesn't she?" Finnick seemed a little sad but proud of Annie. "I was a little worried about her at first but she managed herself. The problem is, she's not a good drinker."

"I know the feeling. She should do what I do."

"You have poor health, Annie isn't that poor in health."

"No but not everyone knows how to handle rejection so sometimes I just purposely drop glasses of wine or any other alcohol or I spill it. She should do that."

Finnick laughed. "She's not as good at lying as you are."

She let out a sound, offended by his words but the smile on her face said otherwise. "That's not rude at all."

"It's not. I'm being honest. But at least, she's got a few people from back home on her side." Curious, Sera silently asked him to go on. "I pulled a few strings and got her father and a friend of hers to come with us before she finally calmed a little."

"Her father's here?" Sera turned her attention to Annie who was with Mags at the side, half-watching her and Finnick and half-busy talking with a boy her age. He was tall like Finnick but had a mop of dark hair and was more tanned than the victor whose arms she was in.

"No, he stayed behind at her apartment for the night but she came with her friend."

"Friend?"

Finnick nodded. "They're not really friends." He pulled away to watch as she looked up in complete confusion. He liked it whenever she was puzzled with something. The way her eyebrows would furrow and her eyes would crinkle as she focused on trying to solve what she didn't understand. "They're closer than friends." He added to help her. Still she was confused. It seemed the matters of the heart was one thing she wasn't too observant on. "They're like us."

"Like us?" She echoed before she finally understood. When she did understand, she wished she didn't because guilt gnawed at her heart as a black fog crept up the sides of her vision. No. Not now. She tried to pull away but her hands wouldn't cooperate.

The corners of his lips turned up as he looked down at her fondly. Under the dip lights as the violins picked up their speed once more with the dancefloor nearly empty, he decided to finally say the words he had been carrying inside him for so long. "I love you."

Sera's world turned silent. All she could hear was the blood rushing to her cheeks, her quiet erratic heartbeat and Finnick. Her eyes widened and her mouth was agape. If the two weren't in front of the President, she was sure, he would kiss her there and then.

"And I mean it. I've loved you since the day I spoke to you on that elevator after your first interview with Caesar and I—"

He never got a chance to finish baring out his heart as the music abruptly stopped and lights flooded the ballroom once more. She quickly parted from him and flitted across the room to meet her own group, leaving him stranded without an answer in the middle of the dance floor.

Scarus held out his hand for her to escort her back but she hurried past him with her head bowed, hiding her flushed cheeks. Her shoulder knocked against his, making him stumble back. She didn't look back to check if he was okay or not. She just carried on, only stopping once she was in her position.

The board was being set and the game was about to begin. She couldn't change her mind, not now, not when she had come so far.

Loud trumpets followed the sudden silence as everyone gathered near the center of the ballroom and looked up at the balcony. President Snow, Minister Thistlewood, Decima Doolittle, Plutarch Heavebee alongside a few Senate officials Sera didn't recognize apart from Mrs Astbury gathered at the balcony. The orchestra kept playing while everyone took their place.

Sera tried to talk to Zephyr before the speeches began but she was momentarily distracted when someone nearly tackled her. Scarus jumped to an offensive position before she held out her hand to stop him from acting.

"I'm so sorry, I was so excited that I didn't even see." Annie gushed. Her friend that Finnick mentioned trailed behind her along with Finnick who seemed less pleased about Sera leaving earlier.

"It's fine. Congratulations by the way." Sera shook Annie's hands and tried to move past her but Annie didn't let go. "Is there—"

"Sorry but thank you."

"Thank you?"

"I heard from Finnick about how you chose me and I wanted to say thank you...even if you probably didn't think about it much."

"I actually did put a lot of thought into it." And it only made her feel worse.

Annie bobbed her head with a bright smile on her face. Some curious eyes turned to look at them. Annie didn't pay them any mind. "You've always done so much for me and I haven't done anything for you."

"I haven't done much."

"No. You have. You were kind to Jenny when she was..." Annie let out a heavy breath and the ghost of her sister formed in front of Sera's eyes. Her sad eyes followed her younger sister before disappearing into a puff of dust. "You were kind in the arena when no one was."

Sera shook her head. "I just...did what had to be done and I did the same thing again."

"You're really humble."

"I'm not. I just...don't think I deserve this praise."

Annie disagreed. She thought Sera deserved more than what she had. "Annie, you're making Sera shy." Finnick decided to jump in. He looked up to wink at her, only for Sera to turn away and roll her eyes.

Scarus watched the scene in disdain and turned away from it. Even though Sera did seem quite happy, he didn't like it. "I want to be a victor like you."

"No." Sera quickly blurted out, taking Annie and Finnick by surprise. A few heads snapped towards her and she was forced to put on an awkward smile and laugh a little. "I mean, no. You shouldn't try to be anything like me because you're you and I'm me. The best thing you can be is yourself Annie and not anyone else."

"Wise words." Annie's friend remarked. His dark blue eyes seemed warm and friendly and Sera could see how easily him and Annie went along well together. "I'm a friend of Annie and Finnick."

"Nice to meet you—" She waited for a second for an actual introduction.

The boy momentarily lost his focus as Annie said something to him. "Oh right. I'm Gaven."

"Well, nice to meet you Gaven." She gave his hand a little shake and quickly all but ran from there before Finnick had a chance to speak to her. She lost Scarus along the way but found Zephyr.

Zephyr quickly went up to Sera and tugged at her sleeve. "You won't believe this but Cassius Allard is here." He whispered.

Sera paused. "Are you sure?"

"Are you doubting my abilities?" She shook her head in response. Zephyr was the last person she'd ever doubt when it came to remembering things. "Well, I suppose tonight will be interesting."

Once again the loud sound of trumpet was heard and this time everyone was already in place. Scarus found Sera just underneath the balcony where the officials including the President were. She stood between Huxley and Zephyr with Eos and Emilia behind her. Scarus took his place, a little to the side as his godfather began to speak.

"Welcome all!" Minister Thistlewood's booming voice was heard throughout the hall. Quiet whispers accompanied his greeting. Everyone had one question on their minds: why was Minister Thistlewood speaking and not the President? The Minister didn't pay attention to the questioning gazes and carried on. "Tonight we are gathered here to celebrate a new decade of the games. Another era of glory and who better to begin this new era other than the...beautiful and lovely...Miss Annie Cresta!"

Applause followed his words but still some chose not to follow out of respect for the President. "Thank you for your kind words, Minister." Annie didn't seem to care or maybe she just wanted to get out like Sera.

Minister Thistlewood bowed his head acknowledgement, turning away a little to lick his lips. His eyes were on Annie and Annie only while he carried on. "Oh can he be a little more obvious." The annoyed voice Cashmere spoke up behind her.

"Cashmere!" Her brother hissed out. Cashmere rolled her eyes in response while Sera stifled a laugh.

"Ah Seraphine!" Cashmere cut through Sera's entourage and greeted her, ignoring the speech all together. "Can I say you look beautiful tonight."

Sera smiled in response. "And you look stunning." And she really did. A sequined baby pink gown that was draped on her body like it was sculpted for her. Her golden mane was straightened with tiny pink diamonds dotted around the parting of her hair. "Enjoying the dinner."

"Not at first but I have to say that little dance you and Odair did took my breath away." Scarus glared at Cashmere who brushed him off and leaned closer to Sera. "I've never seen something so sweet in my entire life." She gushed. "Oh and I've also never seen Minister Thistlewood so...angry. Of course, you probably don't know."

"Don't know what?" Cashmere gave her a look and she lowered her voice. "Don't know what?"

"About the rumors." Cashmere whispered and Sera raised her brow in question. "There's rumors that your little guard is more than enamored with you...he might be in love with you." Sera's face scrunched up in distress and Cashmere drunkenly giggled before patting her shoulder. "Don't worry, I'm sure you'll manage him."

She wished she never asked Cashmere.

"—And now we celebrate Annie once more with a celebratory drink!" Minister Thistlewood seemed to finally finish his speech and motioned for the drinks to be served. Avoxes silently appeared out of the corners of the ballroom with trays and bottles of wine. "To commemorate the young victor, I personally have chosen a red wine from my family's collection of wines and spirits and with the permission of the President, I share it with you all."

Mrs Astbury took a step forward and was the first to pick a glass. The other Senate officials soon followed with eager moves. President Snow lazily picked up his own goblet of wine. They all waited until the glasses of wine were distributed before commencing the toast.

When the tray of wine came towards them, Cashmere and Gloss each took a glass with some hesitation. They weren't the only ones. Even Augustus and other victors in presence struggled to take the glass of red wine. It didn't help that the glasses were made of crystal and allowed the contents of the drink to be seen clearly. The red hue of the drink made most victors uncomfortable.

Sera was no exception. She tried to turn the avox away and ask for a non-alcoholic drink but to her horror, Minister Thistlewood chose to speak and single her out in the crowd, shifting all attention to her. "Now, now Seraphine. I understand you cannot drink but surely you can make an exception for tonight."

President Snow stood up, his head slowly turned to the Minister. "Janus," He quietly warned the Minister. "Miss Reza has health issues."

But the Minister was too drunk with power to hear a word. "It is a special night. One drink will not hurt."

Sera eagerly looked at the President to put his foot down and stand up for her. She was hoping too much because the President sat back in his seat in the center without a word. She was left with no choice but to take the crystal glass.

The glass of wine felt heavy in her hands with its pearlescent rim and scalloped feet. The glasses were custom-made on the orders of the Thistlewood family to celebrate Annie. She felt sick just holding the drink and she hadn't even taken a sip.

"Well then," Minister Thistlewood held up his glass of wine as did Plutarch who's eyes Sera met. The two looked away and pretended to not see one another. "To Annie Cresta and to the future of the Hunger Games!" He didn't drink immediately after he spoke but some did.

President Snow brought the drink to his lips but immediately he moved it away. Calmly, he placed the glass onto the table in front of him and stood up. His actions drew the interest of many. "Janus, you procured the wine?" The President quietly asked. Sera had to really strain her ears to hear.

Minister Thistlewood nodded with a grin on his face. "Of course, is it not to your liking?"

President Snow hummed in displeasure. He never really answered before a man crashed onto the floor down below the balcony. Silence fell but this time it was an ominous type of silence. Another man in blue fell, followed by a few women. They were clutching their necks and some were clawing at their faces, drawing blood.

More and more began to fall.

A scream erupted from the other end of the ballroom as Annie cowered across from Sera, covering her ears while singing softly. "Poison!" Someone screamed out as the cacophony of glasses shattering replaced the orchestra music. "There's poison in the wine!" Another shouted.

Scarus moved quickly and knocked the wine glass out of Sera's hand. Cashmere and Gloss dropped theirs as did Huxley and Zephyr. The victors were fortunate that their aversion to the red hue potentially saved them.

More screams kept ringing before some went silent. "The minister!" The familiar voice of Cassius Allard was heard distinctly through the screams and shouting. "He poisoned us!" The man accused. "You..." He pushed through the crowd of panicking guests and fell to his knees in front of the balcony. "Trai-tor." Gasped Director Allard before he collapsed himself.

Eyes wide in horror, Sera took a sharp breath and started to back away from the corpse. Huxley reached for her hand and grabbed her in time just before another body fell in front of her. Above her on the balcony, some Senate officials were long dead while others tried to get away. The President alongside Plutarch and Fulvia had already been evacuated the moment four died. Their goblets of wine were still on the table, untouched.

Minister Thistlewood's face turned pale and he quickly glanced over his shoulder to look at his sister. Mrs Astbury simply smiled brightly at her brother.

The brother and sister pair stared at each other as Mrs Astbury took steps forward to laugh at her brother but her part was cut short before her lungs constricted and she started to claw at her neck in desperation. Minister Thistlewood tried his best to save his sister but she swatted away his hands. In her dying moments, she tried to look down where Sera was but she lost her balance and went over the rails, falling down onto the ballroom below.

Annie stopped her hysterical singing as the body that fell landed in front of her. The poor girl gasped loudly before a piercing shriek of madness ripped through her.

Her shriek was all it took for the last chains of sanity to break before the foolish Capitolites rushed past each other to get to the exits. They clawed at the closed doors and shouted for help pathically. Huxley shielded Sera from the stampede while Emilia tried to make a way for her with some help from Eos and Zephyr.

Cashmere and Gloss hurried past the stampede, their experiences in the arena being very useful in that moment while Augustus and Enobaria drove straight through the crowd to break one of the doors.

Annie kept shrieking before dropping to the floor and crying hysterically while muttering about someone being dead. Finnick and Mags tried to grab Annie and move her away before the stampede got worse.

Just for a moment, Finnick looked up, the doors were all crammed with people trying their best to get out while bodies were crumpled on the floor haphazardly. Desperately, he looked for a sign of Sera who was being shielded by her mentor, she was safe. But the moment he met her gaze, his heart broke.

For a second, he swore he saw a hint of a smile gracing her red lips.


Plant Dictionary:

Creeping Willow - Love Forsaken

Thorn Apple - Deceitful Charm

Wild Tansy - Declaration of War

Dried White Roses - Death preferable to loss of innocence