strings that snap | larry

two

"Thank you for escorting me Prudence," he says as he hangs up his coat. "I will see you at 6:45 with Eleanor in tow."

"Of course dear, don't forget to be presentable!"

"Wouldn't  dream of it!" He shuts the door before she can say anything else. He hates how her eyelashes are longer than his fingers (even if he does have small hands) and how her earrings are sometimes bigger than her face.

He goes to the sofa and flicks on the television. Up on the screen, it was broadcasting District 4's leg of the Victory Tour. Three more days and it'll be here in the Capitol.

It's the beginning where the cameras zoom in on all of the District's Victors. Seeing Mags, a friendly middle-aged woman made him smile. She was quite a nice lady, too nice for her own good. But smart and cunning too.

The tall lanky Victor is back again with the same damn speech.  He mentioned something about how quick witted the boy from their district was, how the girl could braid like no other.

He didn't say anything at the District 5 ceremony about Louis' tribute that he murdered in cold blood. Louis could never forget. It nagged at his mind and her face haunted him. He had been lucky enough to not know his tributes personally, but he mourned all of them in the end.

He didn't realize he was trembling as Harry went on with his speech.

Legs shaking, he stood up and made his way to the bathroom. He needed his medication. Hopefully he wouldn't be too numb for his party.

It wouldn't be that bad if he was.

****

Prudence is a minute late.

When Louis hears the knock on the door he is steaming mad. The sound of his steps echo through the suite and his breathing is heavy. Opening the door, he sees a very flustered Prudence with an oblivious Eleanor. 

"Sorry Louis," she's shuffling alone in her too high heels. "I know how you hate tardiness."

"Most busy people do." He says, grabbing his jacket and offering his arm to Eleanor. "Better be on our way then before we're any later."

They head back down to the street below and it was like the sun never went down. All this electricity to power a toxic city. It was just as bright in the day as it was at night. 

"That's your car right there," Prudence points to a purple car parked three cars down. She loved parties, but as she and Louis got older she didn't feel the need to attend. "You two have fun, alright!" She's waving, before she disappears into the crowd on the sidewalk.

They make it to the car without a camera and that's a first. The ride is silent, but Eleanor will not keep her hands to herself. Her fingers are cold like ice and her talons make Louis fear for his life. 

He thinks he could take the spoiled rotten girl in a fight, but even if he won his head would be on a platter.

The car drive is short and they pull into the large loop at the residence. Their driver tips his hat as they climb out. 

Light follows him everywhere.

There are fireworks and sparklers, large spotlights on the house, blaring music, cameras flashing in his face. He can't hear himself think. But it was typical and he knew how to get through it.