The Weight of the Crown

The Awakening of Fire

Dawn was barely breaking over the Capitol when Saphira, Auren's stylist, quietly entered the room. With a delicate gesture, she laid the combat uniform on the bed, a tight-fitting long-sleeved outfit, short at the legs, designed for agility and comfort in the arena. Without a word, Saphira left the room, leaving Auren alone with her fate.

Auren stretched slowly, still groggy from sleep. Her eyes landed on the ring resting on the nightstand. She hesitated, staring at it, wondering if she should take it with her. After a few moments of thought, she slid it onto her right ring finger, a gesture full of symbolism and memory.

Pulling on the uniform, she felt the fabric hug every curve of her body, a second skin ready for battle. Saphira reappeared, gesturing for her to follow. They took an elevator that led them to a balcony overlooking the Capitol. A hovercraft was waiting, ready to carry them toward the unknown.

Inside the hovercraft, a man approached Auren and grabbed her right arm.

"Your tracker" he said simply. Auren, barely awake, let him do it, feeling a slight sting as the device was implanted beneath her skin.

The man stepped away, and the hovercraft took off, landing moments later in a secluded area.

Before them stood a launch tube, likely the entrance to the arena. As Auren prepared to step inside, Saphira stopped her, adjusting her outfit one last time. She pulled out a mockingjay pin, a symbol of rebellion, and discreetly fastened it under the fabric of Auren's suit.

"We're with you" she whispered before stepping back.

A voice rang out: "Ten seconds until launch." The tube sealed, and Auren felt the elevator shoot upward. Daylight flooded the space as the platform opened, revealing a blindingly blue sky. On her left stood Katniss, visibly panicked, and on her right, Chaff.

The environment was tropical, almost desert-like, explaining the lightweight outfit. Two stone bridges extended on either side, leading to what Auren called ''the trap'' a central zone filled with weapons, and dangers. The countdown began, and at zero, everyone surged toward the center.

Auren hesitated, watching Katniss and Peeta head toward the trap. Not wanting to lose her allies, she dove into the water, swimming quickly to the right bridge. At the center, she grabbed a dagger, but felt a presence behind her. She spun around, pressing the blade to Finnick's throat. He raised his hands in peace.

"Whoa, whoa, easy there, sweetheart" he said, showing a bracelet identical to Haymitch's. Auren lowered her weapon and shot him a sharp insult before turning to head toward Peeta.

Finnick warned,

"Watch out for Districts 1 and 2."

Auren snapped, "You should watch out for every district, idiot!"

Maggs from District 6 pointed toward two tributes fighting in the water. Recognizing Peeta, Auren threw her dagger, striking the opponent square in the head.

Peeta retrieved the weapon and joined Katniss, while Finnick carried Maggs on his shoulders. The group moved toward the forest, Auren bringing up the rear.

After several minutes of running, Finnick shouted,

"Wait, wait!" They stopped, searching for fresh water.

The sound of cannons rang out, tributes had died. Peeta, Katniss, and Maggs looked shaken, while Auren smiled, simply glad to still be alive.

Finnick joked, "Feels like we're not holding hands anymore" drawing a faint laugh from Auren.

Katniss, annoyed, asked,

"You think this is funny?"

Finnick shrugged.