Chapter Text
The sea is slow this morning, waves moving ever so peacefully. Nothing feels better than laying on the beach with sand under my toes. I move forward to feel the tide on my feet and gently submerge my hands in the wet sand. The salty breeze is familiar, and it blows my hair out of my face. I wish these next couple months would just vanish, for me to skip over them and or to never remember. Or even better, to avoid it all entirely. But that’s impossible. I just don’t know how much more of the Capital I can take. I don’t know how much is left of me for them to take. My firsts… my family… my freedom… my body… sometimes my mind.
“Fuck them,” I whisper as my head drops to meet my crossed arms. This life of pretending. Pretending to love the Capital’s citizens, to be happy and grateful, to not be scared every waking second of the day. But I’m Finnick Odair and he is charming, handsome, fearless and yet he is the Capital’s toy and loved by all. This is the life of a beloved victor.
“Finnick!” I hear, the light crunching of sand follows her voice. “It’s time to go, they’re expecting us.” I turn to face her, Mags. The dread I felt moments ago slowly fades in her presence. I stand up, “can’t leave the people waiting.” We walk side by side, back to the Victors Coast. The best part is having our personal beach. We won’t get much privacy but when we do, it’s hard to let go. This beach is my safe haven and now I’m leaving it for a diabolical ceremony. “You don’t have to go you know,” I start, holding her arm to give her the support she needs in her old age. “Beck said he could take over as mentor, you deserve a break.” Beck won fourteen years before I did, he’s a character. But he does his best to help in anyway he can.
All she does is look up at me with her kind eyes. The eyes of a mother, my mother. “No. I want to be there with you, can’t leave you to the wolves,” there’s a deeply depressing cloud that shrouds her. I laugh off her comment. Of course she’s worried for me. But I wish she wasn’t, it would be so much easier for her. But I’m just a slave. I can’t make my own decisions anymore. Helpless in the hands of the Capital’s elite. “Don’t think of it as leaving me… more of a break.” She glares at the mention of a ‘break’. She’s been there every step of the way. From fighting in the arena to coming home crying every night due to Snows arrangement.
Finally we make it back home. A dozen big beach houses clustered together with a small patch of grass behind each one. Only six are occupied. When I open the door to my house, I help Mags through but recognize the scent of luxury. My prep team have been here for a little while, perfumes consume the air. My counter is covered in makeup, creams of every kind, wax kits and plenty of other products. God, let this end, I’m tired of this shit. My prep team notices my shirt which is covered in wet sand.
“Oh my, did you roll around outside!” Kladya gasped. Her gold tattooed hands help me out of the shirt. “Only a little,” I joke. Even if I dislike them, it’s easier to go along with everything. After all I’m Finnick Odair and he puts up with just about everything. She held the shirt with only her index and thumb as if it was the most disgusting thing she’s ever touched. She’s always had a itch for extreme cleanliness as well as dramatics.
As Jex waxes my face he speaks of the new Head Game Maker this year. Seneca Crane. Apparently the games have been getting boring. The first year in a new Head Game Maker’s career is always the most brutal for tributes since they have something to prove. An audience to entertain. My stomach churns thinking about it. This year is going to be riddled with mutts and man-made disasters. But I try to push it away. Jex continues, “his ideas are quite intriguing, I must say.”
Petran talks about the newest fashions and how it inspired her to dye her skin a swirl of green and blue. The other two complimented her for it. How lovely it must be to live so freely. I can’t help but get more envious with every word that falls out of my team’s lips. I can barely shave my face without it causing an issue. But I can’t be upset with them, they are ignorant to the truth and live in a world of lies. But once they’re done, I look more put together than I normally do. My face always feels very clean after all the treatment. Trying to sound grateful I say, “thank you for your help. I couldn’t have done it without you three.” They all gush over the compliment. They take anything I give them. If I offered a napkin it would be on the market as if it were gold. “Ready?” I ask Mags. When I offer her my arm she takes it. “As I’ll ever be.”
A short ride in one of the only cars in District 4 takes both of us to the Justice Building where two kids will be escorted to their demise. Only officials get cars in this district but most people own bikes, it’s the main form of transportation. I meet up with Mags who was talking to Beck. “Well don’t you look pretty, Odair,” he teases while he takes a sip of wine. “Thanks Beck, still clinging onto alcohol. Thought you kicked that habit.” He laughs at my jest. “It has a mind of its own.” He downs the rest of it before placing the glass on a table.
Out of nowhere our escort pops up and places his arm on mine, “oh my victors. I’m glad we can all see each other, it’s been so long.” Aldrin’s high pitched voice fills the air. Nothing annoys me more than a over the top capital accent. Beck rolls his eyes. Aldrin has the ability to piss everyone off in a room, it’s impressive. The escort then turns around to face everyone else and I take the chance to shrug him off, “all right my victors! It’s time!”
Mags, myself and the four others follow Aldrin onto the stage. He walks with small quick steps, making his fluffy bright purple hair bounce. I lean over to Mags, “its his goal to look like cotton candy, I swear.” She chucks a bit but her eyes remain sad.
We reach the stage and line up, waiting for the cameras pin on us. Once I wink at the camera, I take my seat with the others. All together there are six District 4 victors. Many see my position as a privilege. I fought my way, no killed my way through my games to be here. To be tossed around from bed to bed like some toy, that doesn’t even matter. Emptiness has overcome my life for years now, the only filling thing I have is Mags but I can’t have her forever.
After watching a video Snow makes everyone watch once a year about the rebellion, Aldrin speaks into the microphone, “welcome everybody, welcome to the annual reaping of the 70th Hunger Games!” He waves his hands at the mention of the games. A light clapping follows his words. We used to be a Career district but as of late, it seems people have caught onto its brutality and lost sight of the false glory. “Now let’s pick our tributes! May the odds be ever in your favor.” With a few short clicks of his heels, he’s at the large glass bowl and reaching his slender lilac colored hand into the glass bowl and pulling out someone’s death sentence. Unfolding the paper he reads loud and clear, “Annie Cresta!” It’s silent. Then the crowd moves to reveal a frail girl with tears streaming down her face. She seems to be frozen. “Why, don't leave us waiting. Come up here and let everyone see you!” The fear in her face is prominent the closer she gets, fists at her side and stiff limbs carry her through the crowd and onto the stage. Her face never leaves the ground. Stop crying is all I can think. A sign of weakness that will let the others chew you up and spit you out. “Now do we have any volunteers?” It’s quiet for a moment then a loud voice sweeps the area. “I volunteer!”
Annie continues to cry, probably out of joy. Heads turn to look at the voice. The girl who takes her place walks with pride. From where I’m sitting she looks tall and built. The complete opposite of the original tribute. Her walk is filled with purpose and confidence. Her hair swaying as she moves which reminds me of peanuts, the color matches perfectly, its both wavy and long. Some of the longest hair I’ve ever seen. “Well isn’t that wonderful! Now what is your name my dear?” Aldrin claps his hands together in quick applause and puts the microphone to her lips, she breathes in and out then pushes some strands of hair out of her face and loudly presents, “Cordelia. Cordelia Wade.” She smiles right into the camera and stands as if she owns the world. Arrogant. I thought the games weeded those out of our district but apparently not. “Well Cordelia, thank you for volunteering! Now it’s time for our boy tribute!” Aldrin says but before he can move onto the next bowl, Annie throws her arms around Cordelia. A sentiment that causes Mags breath to hitch. But the peacekeepers escort Annie off the stage leaving her stand in alone. I try to lean forward get a better look at her.
At first nothing really stands out about her, but the longer you look, the more you notice. She turns my way and I catch her eyes. They are piercing blue, clear and crystal. You can tell that she works outside, her skin is tanned and covered with freckles. Her nose is fleshy but she has a defined jaw line and high cheek bones. That’s all I can tell from her side profile. While the loose dress she wears blows in the wind, she stares ahead with her hand fiddling behind her back. So even arrogance can be nervous. The Capital will eat her alive.
“Navy Seaton!" Aldrin yells into the microphone. Again the crowd doesn’t make a sound but a small boy slowly walks to the stage. He looks to be around thirteen. Mags places an hand over her heart, its always harder when they’re younger. No one volunteers for him. Before Aldrin tells them to shake hands, the two intertwine their hands and raise them in the air. The energy grows slightly with more clapping. A small huff of disapproval from our escort, he must feel upstaged but he still yells out, “ladies and gentlemen, the tributes for the 70th Hunger Games!”
Peacekeepers escort the two into the Justice Building for final goodbyes to family. I sit with my fellow victors on a couple couches outside the rooms. Sometimes you can make out tones or words if they're loud enough. Memories of when I had to say my farewells to my parents come flooding back but I block them out.
All I hear from the boy tributes room is sobs, most likely his mother. While the girl’s room is full of yelling for a few minutes then the cries of young girls. “I hate this part,” Mags whispers. I throw my arm around her to give comfort. She’s always been more sensitive to the tributes than I have. I distance myself from the tributes as best I can and it’s easier when not a lot of people line up outside the door. But this girl, Cordelia, seems to have a half the district outside her door. But I can’t help but think if she won. She would have so many loose ends. So many vulnerabilities. I bite my tongue at the thought, the anxiety of having that much responsibility. That many liabilities but at the same time it would be nice if that many people cared about me. Genuinely. But love is a double edged sword that I can’t afford to get wrapped up in
As the tributes exit the rooms to walk with us to the train, they meet in the middle and embrace one another. Strange. “You good?” Cordelia asks softly. Brushing his dark hair with her fingers. That arrogant tone is completely gone. Even her posture has softened. Navy looks down and wipes his face, “yeah.” They must know each other.
Beck and the rest of the victors will stay behind, only Mags and myself will be leaving for the Capital much to my dismay. They just have to make a small appearance. Meanwhile I have to suffer for however long the games take. I selfishly hope it ends quickly this year.
Peacekeepers are lined up to the entrance of the train. Before we board someone interferes. “Corey!” A older man comes running out of the building, peacekeepers don’t stop him. One last person to say goodbye but it’s completely against Snow’s rules. Why aren’t they doing anything? He gives her a big hug. His arms trap her hair against her back. “Don’t lose,” it sounds more like a command than anything else, but then he gets real quite and slips something in her hand. She lets out a shaky breath and backs away from him and says, “thank you for everything you’ve done for me.” He then slaps her back pretty hard, “you can thank me by coming home with a beating heart.” She nods her head. Turning around she finally boards the train with us while offering small apologies for the hold up.
Once the train started moving, Aldrin gives the grand tour. Giving a long winded speech on the expensive materials used to construct interior of the vehicle. “Oh honey, you’ll love this!” His arm is hooked in Cordelia’s, he doesn’t let go and guides her throughout the train. It aggravates me. He leads her to the main room where the dining table sits with a chandelier covered in blue diamonds dangling overhead. Navy only had interest in locking himself in his room, leaving his partner to fend for herself. “It’s beautiful,” she smiles. Her hand runs over the fine wood of the table. Aldrin lets go of her and opens his big mouth, “well dinner will be in an hour so if you want to explore, feel free! Just remember to not be late!”
She turns and her eyes peer into mine, almost making me self conscious. “Like what you see?” I give my best seductive smirk. She gives a small laugh then a more innocent smirk of her own, “not my type Pretty Boy.” My lips curl upward and I walk closer to her, “I’m hurt.”
“You look it.” She takes a breath then looks in the direction of the rooms. “I should go check on Navy, make sure he’s okay,” her voice is so soft. Nothing like the reaping, so we have a little actor this year. “I’ll escort you,” I offer my arm just like what I do to Mags. “What kind of man would I be if I let a beautiful lady walk alone.” I don’t even know why I’m talking to her, much less joking. Soon enough I’ll be a slave to a bed and she’ll be a victim in the arena. Mags raises an eyebrow at me but then smiles and goes to the bookshelf. She’s going to ask me all kinds of questions about this interaction later. “A pretty poor one I assume, after all a Capital train is ever so dangerous,” her tone is mocking the Capital accent then she places her hand on my arm. “You didn’t know? There’s ruffians everywhere! Just waiting to jump out at you!” I attempt to talk in the accent as well. “I’m so scared.” As the words leave her lips she moves closer to me and she mimics my accent back but hers is way better, I’m almost jealous. This game of pretend it actually fun. I forgot how enjoyable it was to joke with somebody like this, someone my own age. She can’t be that much younger than me, a year or two maybe?
As we slowly walk to the bedroom hallway, she has a sadden look in her eye. I try to break the silence by talking in the Capital accent once again, “why on earth would a pretty thing like you volunteer for the games?” I really want to ask about that man that came to see her and why the peacekeepers didn’t stop him but I guess that’ll be another time.
Those eyes look in mine once more, I get a strange feeling every time she does that. It’s as if she’s looking right through me with those crystal eyes and is probing the deepest parts of my brain. “Well my father is sickly so I figured winning would bring me plenty of riches,” she continues to speak in the accent but the message makes me wish I asked in a serious tone. “I-I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have joked like that.”
“Don’t worry, it’s okay. You couldn’t have known. Plus I like joking, it’s better than crying.” We reach Navy’s room and she releases my arm and suddenly I’m missing the weight her hand brought. “Well see y’all later.” I then act as if I took a hat off my hand and bow, “I look forward to our next stroll ma’am.” I get a smile in return for my act.
She quietly opens the door and peaks though, I turn my back but hear her ask him if she could come in. And with that she disappears into the room.
I quietly walk back to Mags, bored. What do I do now? “That was interesting,” Mags says in a matter of fact tone while turning a page. “What?” I ask, even though I know exactly what she is referring to. “I’ve never seen you joke so much with the tributes before. Or anyone for that matter. Normally you wall yourself off from them, but this Cordelia has seemed to peak your interest..?” I rub my hand over my face. “She’s just funny and nice to talk to, plus we only just met. Like two seconds ago,” I defend my actions. It’s just me meeting someone new and enjoying their company, it isn’t a crime. “Sure.”
Later when dinner was ready, Navy keeps playing with the food on his plate and doesn’t seem interested in eating. Cordelia is making conversation with Aldrin, which in my opinion is very difficult. The guy is the definition of snooty and oblivious. “I’m surprised your hair is so nice, normally your people’s hair is either short or all dried out because of all that salt water. But yours is beautiful!” He meant to be nice, I’m sure, but even I got a little mad at that. “Thank you, my mom taught me a few home remedies.” She twists her hair a bit. “I like how colorful yours is,” she returns the compliment smoothly. “Why thank you! You know how hard it is to maintain such a color? But I knew it would be worth it, purple is just to eye catching! Don’t you think?” He lightly touches his puffy hair as he speaks like it’s his prized possession. “It’s lovely.” Cordelia seems to be trying to get on his good graces. Or she’s just really nice. But that arrogant expression she set for herself on camera makes me think she’s got some sort of plan for the games.
Cordelia looks at Navy’s plate and taps her fork on it. “Eat up or no desert,” she threatens. “I don’t care,” he sounds so defeated. Mags and I make eye contact. I shrug. Some tributes are nothing but depressed up until the games while others enjoy the ride, seems we have both. “Oh come on, that’s not true. Eat up or I’ll splash water on you when you sleep,” Cordelia places a fork full of pork in her mouth after her sentence. He lifts his face revealing red blotchy skin and puffy eyes. Cordelia tries to make him smile by making a few jokes. After a few more jabs he starts to eat and before I can even think I ask, “so how do you two know each other?”
Blue eyes slowly turn back to me and for a moment I let myself look into them, it’s the type of blue that I’ve only seen back home. The Capital can never replicate it. Calm and peaceful, just like the tide this morning. They’re lovely. I haven’t thought of anyone as lovely in a long time. First she jokes with me and now her eyes suck me in. What a strange girl. Surprisingly Navy responds with a horse voice, “she works at my uncles shop.”
“And I taught you how to swim…” she drags out the and. “And how to sew your clothes. And how to make a hook.” Her arm bumps his. His indication made it seem like they don’t really know each other it hers make it sounds like they’re best friends. “So you’ve known each other for a long time! How sweet! That'll rack up sponsors. As well as your physique, honey! I’m loving the curve, your eyes and hair! Will definitely make you stand out!” Aldrin takes over the conversation once more with his hands swirling in the air. Cordelia’s eyelids close slightly at his comment and her jaw clenched. “Yeah I’m sure it will.”
During the dinner we all talk about trivial things, the only one bringing up the games is our flamboyant escort. But it’s always short lived, Navy is not ready to face reality. He is silent with Cordelia doing most of the talking, she’ll do good during the interview. Very quick on her feet. But with Aldrin’s remarks on her looks reminds me that her stylist is most likely going to go for sexy. Suddenly a knot develops in my chest at the thought. My body turns hostile every time he mentions it, Mages places her hand over mine. This is what those people did to me, I don’t want her going through that. Subjugated to this. The hollow man that I’ve turned out to be. But sexy sells, cute and innocent only gets pity.
A hour or so passes and everyone, including myself, has retired to their room. I face the ceiling with my arms under my head. The closer we get to the Capital the more anxious I get. Closer to any number of beds, hands and predatory eyes. Eyes. Cordelia. Suddenly sea blue overcomes my thoughts. I can’t get her eyes out of my head and it begins to annoy me. Mag’s little actor, I wonder if her attitude now is who she really is. Was our little skit real? Or is she trying to play me? Part of me doesn’t want to know in case it wasn’t. But I can’t lie, it feels nice to look forward to something. “Don’t get attached,” I have to say it aloud to make it real. I haven’t had to remind myself that in a long time. Then a small knock at my door startles me.
Only Mags would do this, she tend to check on me late at night. But I’m not in the mood to be mushy. “Mags I’m fine, don’t worry-” but I’m met with the eyes I can’t get out of my head. A grey blanket is wrapped around her and her hand is peaking through to keep it from falling. “Is everything okay?” I ask, leaning on the doorway.
Why would she come to me if something was wrong instead of Mags, after all she’s the one who will be mentoring her. I’m more of a second hand one. “Im sorry to wake you but I was just wondering if you have anything to help Navy sleep? He’s keeping himself awake and I don’t want him tiring himself out before the games.” The small shivers that ripple through her body are noticeable. No wonder, she’s used to warm weather and it’s cold at night here. Her hair is a mess when she brings the blanket around her shoulders for better grip, her feet rubbing against themselves. “I was already awake, but yeah I can get something for him.” She could have asked an avox, they’re all over the place but she sought me out. I can’t help but feel a small thump in my stomach, must be nerves.
She follows me through the hallways to the small kitchen, where I open a cabinet door. It reveals all kinds of herbs and tea leaves. “Do you want anything?” I turn to face her, she’s not even looking at me. Her gaze is directed to the window, where you see flashes of forest. It’s so dark that you can barely make it but it’s still magical. I remember seeing it my first time and being memorized. “Cool isn’t it?” That’s when I catch her attention.
“Yeah…” she breaths and pulls the blanket tighter. “I bet you’re excited to get to the Capital and be surrounded by luxury, Pretty Boy.” Bile gets caught in my throat at the mention of the Capital. My throat feels tight and my limbs stiffen. “You bet,” I whisper. I face away from her and start rummaging through cabinet, wanting to push her sentence away. Push the Capital away. Then I feel a hand on my back, when I look I see her big doe eyes. “Sorry, I didn’t realize you didn’t like it there. I assumed all victors love that place.” Her voice is so sweet that I almost feel guilty for making her feel bad. This is my cue to jump back into the classic Finnick Odair personality. “It’s great, I just was thinking about something else. Trust me you’ll love it, it has everything.” Flashing my signature smile at her which causes her lips to twitch up. Followed by a gentle laughter. She starts speaking in the Capital accent, “well you better not be lying! I simply can’t wait!”
“I swear on my life ma’am, cross my heart and hope to die,” I catch on and continue our skit from earlier. When is the last time I joked with someone like this? Years. Before my games in the school yard. Then it hits me, I wonder if we went to school before I dropped it. “How old are you?”
“Weirdo. Can’t go asking girls their age. You sound creepy, I’ll have to report you” she throws her hands over her chest in exaggeration. I then quickly place my hand on my heart and let my knees slump a bit as if I was hit by an arrow, “no I swear. Just mentoring business!”
Our combined laughter felt natural, as if we’d known each other since childhood. I start to boil water for tea for Navy. “I’m seventeen, one of the last years to participate,” she says almost sad. Then I remember the line of people outside her room.
I can’t seem to look away from her, she looks ordinary at first but the more you talk to her… she gets more interesting and I want to find out more. But her expression gives me the urge to cheer her up. “You know, I think your admirable.” I want to make her feel better, after all she only volunteered for her family and not on a whim like I had previous assumed. She scoffs, “for what? Throwing myself into a den where I’m going to have to kill then be killed?” Her lip jolts up in a disgust and head tilted to the side. She’s not proud of it. “I mean your reasoning. Not a lot of people would participate to save someone else. You also helped that frail girl out on stage. I bet she’s grateful. Anyone who does volunteer is normally an idiot but it’s not the case with you,” my words must resonate with her. She looks less disgusted and a small smile replace it.
“My brother would disagree with you.” The tea pot starts to blow its steam out, signifying it’s ready. “Is that who you were yelling with in the Justice Building?”
I don’t hear a response as I rip the teabag open to place in the kettle so I turn my head over my shoulder to look at her. Those eyes that were filled with slight happiness a moment ago have glossed over with a layer of tears. Her mouth opens but no words come out instead she wipes her eyes quickly and utters a few apologies to which I deny. She shouldn’t apologize for how she feels plus it’s her family ordeal, not mine. “Yeah, it was him,” when I hand her a cup of the tea she doesn’t refuse it, “we’ve been struggling financially ever since Dad had his accident on the fishing boat. It left him handicapped with some sort of slow blood disease so he gets sicker by the day. So I dropped out of school to work.” She clings to the cup and takes a sip. “Nile, my brother, wasn’t happy about it but he couldn’t refuse since he has a wife and baby. Anyway, it lead me here. And he’s more mad at me than he’s ever been.”
“I’m sure it’s only out of love. He’s worried for you, not mad at you,” I’m leaning on the counter with my arms crossed over my body. Her eyes flicker and a smirk appears on her face, “hopefully.” She reaches next to me to pour another cup of tea. I forgot we originally had to give this to Navy. “So you have to win,” I say and she hums.
“That was before Navy was picked, I don’t know what to do anymore,” her voice is shaky. I can’t imagine the guilt of wanting to win but also caring so much for your district partner. I never had a connection with mine. “That doesn’t mean you can’t win,” I try to reassure her but I doubt anything from a stranger would help. All she does is nod her head slightly. “I should bring this to him,” she gives a half smile then turns around, “thank you for helping me.”
My feet decide to follow her, it’s as if I don’t have control of my body. I know I shouldn’t get attached but maybe…
“You really are a creep, following a defenseless lady at this hour,” she snickers. The blanket wrapped around her resembles a cloak which sways with her movements, much like her dress form earlier today. “Hey now, I’m just making sure a defenseless lady gets to her room safe and sound.”
“Thank you for your protection then, Mr. Odair.” Then there’s that reassuring smile and shone to her eye which has it be contagious. With that our midnight chat continues. We talk about small, trivial things. I learn her favorite food is these butter cream lemon cakes her sister, Delmar, makes. And she is the second oldest of four. While she learns that I love sugar cubes but hate salt, which she says is “ironic since we’re of the sea.”
We reach the door and she lightly knocks on it, “Navy? I brought you something, well Finnick did most the work, I’m just the carrier.” She smiles as she speaks, looking up at me. He opens the door slightly, thanks her and returns to the room.
“Well that was rude,” I let out before I can think. “He's just a kid, he doesn’t know what to do.” Her defense makes me look like an ass. Her room is across from his so she opens it and reaches out her hand when she steps in. “Thank you for your service tonight, sir.” I take her hand and stare at her face. She is the definition of the sea. Beautiful. “Any time ma’am.” My voice almost cracks at how high I’m talking, I don’t know how the Capital citizens talk like this. I slip back into my room and for the first time have dreams instead of nightmares.
“I think you should mentor Cordelia,” Mags states as she sips her herbal tea while rocking in a chair. Its early morning and we’re going to arrive in the Capital soon. But her comment makes me a little uneasy. “Why?” I ask. It isn’t uncommon for mentors to switch tributes, after all we did it my second year as a mentor. Yet I feel upset and can’t place a reason as to why. “You two seem to get along… late night talks,” she chuckles while reading her book and sips more tea.
“Okay, okay. All we did was chat a bit and I helped her get some tea. Big whoop,” I sound as if I stand accused of a crime I didn’t commit. “But she went to you instead of looking for me or an avox. She trusts you already, that’s huge.” Mags does have a point, trust between mentor and tribute is critical. But I don’t know if I’m up for it, what if I get attached and she doesn’t make it? Or what if she makes it?
“I don’t know Mags,” I try to fight against it but she stands up at the sight of food being placed on the table across the room. “You are and that’s final. Trust me it’ll work out.” She is so matter-of-fact sometimes but I guess it comes with the territory of old age. Aldrin is up and about, covered with heavy makeup, making his normal lilac colored skin pop out more. “I called our tributes, they should be out any minute.” He states. Then picking up a plate and starts serving himself. Mags and I join him. “I must say. I really like the girl!” he says. For some reason my head snaps at him and my tongue licks my teeth. “I feel we have a real winner! I found out her middle name is “Cove”, think of it- Cordelia Cove from District 4- has a nice ring to it! Definitely marketable,” he rambles on and on about her, how we can sell her to sponsors. I want to puke. He speaks of her like she’s a doll, “she has a nice feminine figure, big chest but definitely muscular! She’s also quite tall so we’ll need to avoid heels! And that hair, it’s beautiful! Her eyes are a selling point! But we’ll have to do something about that freckled skin of hers, she’s covered from head to toe! Maybe plump up the lips too-” I get sick of him talking of her perfections and flaws like he owns her. I slam my knife down on my plate which makes the two stare at me.
“Lets not talk about her when she is right down the hall, shall we?” My jaw is clenched enough that I think I might crack my teeth. Aldrin lifted his eyebrows and placed his fork in his mouth but used his teeth to pull the food off.
A few minutes later Cordelia walks in with Navy. He looks tired and is slapping his feet on the floor. While she finds me and give a little wave. They both make a plate, Navy only picks up buns while Cordelia loads hers to the brim with a little of everything. “How did you two sleep last night?” Mags asks, she lays back in the chair. “Fine, thank you,” Navy responds.
“I slept pretty well,” Cordelia said. She squeezed some lemon into her water. “So there’s going to be a change of plans,” Mags starts, I know what’s she’s going to say, “I’ll mentor Navy and Finnick will Cordelia.”
There wasn’t much of a reaction in the tributes end, Navy nodded and gave Mags a smile. He seems to like the arrangement. While Cordelia gave a thumbs up since she had a mouth full of bread. “So I figured I’d ask, do you have any sort of plan yet, Cordelia, Navy?” I question. If she had been planning to volunteer then she might have a plan but she also knew how to present herself to the camera.
“We’re going to stick together in the arena,” she then puts more food in her mouth. Navy expresses his doubts, “are you sure? I can’t do much of anything.” That’s the most I’ve heard him speak since we met. “Come on, you’ll pull your weight. Plus I trust you more than anyone else to have my back.” This could be deadly for her, having to look after a kid. I would advise her to not team up with him but I’d be heartless if I did.
“Okay, sticking together. Anything else?” If she doesn’t share then I’m going to have to come up with one on my own. “I do but that’ll depend on how the other tributes are, I’ll let you know once I meet them,” she sticks her tongue out slightly which I jokingly roll my eyes. We talk a little during breakfast but the train is about to roll into the station.
It slows down, showing the glory of the Capital. Glistening buildings. Polished streets. Colorful people and all its expensive tastes. It’s different than the Districts even one, when it’s luxury. People seem to be pushing one another to get a look at us. Navy shies away from the window while Cordelia runs to it. She puts on a massive smile and waves to the people outside, even blows some kisses. Yup, she’s playing them. The vehicle stops and peacekeepers march through and line up to make a path way to a white limousine. While the five of us walk through the screaming crowd I tap Cordelia’s arm slightly, “welcome to the Capital.”