Liberosis - The Hunger Games

38

"Anything for you, your highness," Finnick responded, lifting me carefully back onto the ground. Astrid took his hand and dragged him up to the porch and I moved to follow them, but Phoenix took my hand.

He was young, but he was getting older, at his age, Finnick and I had started training together- he knew what the games were, but there were still things he had to learn. "Mum says you and Uncle Finn are going back- but that's not fair," His lip trembled, "Can I go for you?"

"Oh 'nix," I pursed my lips, bending down slightly so I was on his level, "You will never go into that arena, do you hear me? I must do this, so your mum and Grandma Mags can stay with you here,"

A single tear fell from Phoenix's eye, "But I don't want you to go either," He whispered, tackling me into a hug.

I wrapped my arms around him, stroking his hair comfortingly, "I love you so much, little man"

"I love you too, Aunty Rory,"

I told him of my paint sets, of the things he could keep once I was gone. Phoenix was an artist like me, I had trained him that way, but he was still quite talented for a seven-year-old. Soon enough our little family sat on the porch, finishing the last of the breakfast and talking solemnly with each other as the sun continued rising over the horizon.

Blaze, Annie, and Reign would be returning to the Capitol with us, Blaze as a member of the prep team and the other as our mentors. It was a time of desperate goodbyes, holding each other tightly because chances were, it was the last time we would see them. Soon enough the horn sounded, announcing the beginning of the reaping.

The streets were filled with a flurry of white-clad people, swarming into the town square as Peacekeepers took up their positions at every exit point. We stood on the stage, Reign and Finnick to one side, Ophelia, Mags, Annie, and I on the other. Finnick and I shared a look, he winked at me cheekily to diffuse the tension of the situation. I smiled reciprocating the gesture jokingly.

Sylvia stood in between us, looking more dishevelled and discontent than she usually did, "Welcome! Welcome!" She exclaimed, her shrill voice seeming fragile and empty, "to the 75th annual Hunger Games and the third Quarter Quell,"

I stared ahead, expressionless, trying hard to keep my composure the video began to play in the background. My eyes scanned the audience in an attempt to find familiar faces, Addison stood in the corner, holding the hands of Phoenix and Astrid, my parents and Asher stood in the corner and Andante was completely missing. Though we were on bad terms, I was immediately filled with dread, perhaps they knew of his activity within the rebellions.

"The Male Tribute for district four," Sylvia's hand reached into the bowl with two slips of paper, it didn't matter who was drawn, all the victors knew who would be going, "Finnick Odair," she said, her voice dropping somehow more heartbroken than she had been before. Finnick's jaw was tense as he took a step past Reign, nodding at the older man stoically and taking his position beside Sylvia. His hands were clenched at his side, but still, he said, nothing, instead he played his part, the heartthrob, giving a wave to the cameras, his trademark smirk on his lips.

"And the" Sylvia paused, swallowing deeply before continuing, "Female tribute is," Four names sat in the bowl, but it hadn't changed the fact I was doomed from the start. "Annie Cresta,"

We had made the deal, it had all been organised, but still, Annie cried out loud and covered her hands over her ears, "I volunteer as tribute," I called, raising my hand, and taking a step forward. Addison broke into tears in the corner of the crowd but tried her best to suppress the sobs as she held the crying Hadrianus children comfortingly. Ignoring all protocol, I walked straight past Sylvia and wrapped my arms around Finnick tightly, we broke apart and his forehead rested against mine as our breaths became in sync.