RUINS ( FINNICK ODAIR ) ✓

i. ━━ something wicked

· 。ﾟ☆: *.☽
▎ RUINS   ▎
»»————-　act one. uneven odds
ONE ━━ something wicked

they say bad things happen
for a reason but no wise words
are gonna stop the bleeding

— the script

     IT WAS UNAVOIDABLE; THE DAY OF THE REAPING arrived, and before leaving, Erin tried to take in every little detail of her home. From the pictures that littered the walls in her living room to the unmistakable smell of salty water and vanilla that always lingered. She desperately wanted to remember all that she could.

      She was positive that she would not be returning. This was the last time in this house that had become her home. Erin was no fool—she wanted to survive just like any other, but the odds were stacked against her.

     Slowly, she made her way to the door at the front of the house, trailing her hand across the wall with nostalgia. There was no turning back. This was it.

     With one final look over her shoulder at her comforting home, she took a deep breath and left.

     This Reaping was unlike any others before it Peacekeepers were stationed at every turn, and once she left her own front porch, they guided her with them in a business-like fashion. She couldn't help but think of how ironic it was that their cold hands on her back matched their cold demeanor.

     She could see the other victors receiving the same sort of escort as her by the Peacekeepers, and it wasn't long before the few of them were all seated on the raised platform, waiting on the decision—they would either slid past, having to live with the loss of their victors or return back to the Hunger Games. Erin wasn't sure which one was worse.

     Erin was pleased to be seated by Mags, the older woman's presence soothing. Soon, the opulent escort of District 4, Fiona Perrot, joined the victors on stage.

      The woman was so bright that it almost hurt to look at her. With green hair and a clashing sparkly gold dress, Erin was a little shocked. The Capitol never ceased to amaze her with their sense of fashion.

     Her eyes searched through the crowd, falling on her brother standing among the other citizens; his face was blank, but Erin knew Alex well enough to know that he was filled with worry. She only averted her gaze at the sound of Fiona starting to speak.

      "Welcome, welcome!" Fiona smiled widely. "As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Hunger Games, we're also excited to see the third Quarter Quell. As always," Fiona tittered, "Ladies first."

     The escort flounced towards the glass bowl only containing three slips of paper—one with Erin's name on it. Fiona slowed dramatically, taking her time to grab one. Erin looked over, seeing Finnick standing alone on the opposite side of the stage. From here, she could see him trying to be strong, and she was reminded of him doing the exact same when they were but children, running around on the expansive beaches of District 4. Finnick always strived to appear strong, but Erin could tell how nervous he was.

     "And the female tribute for District 4 is Erin Benton!" Fiona called out, full of excitement. Erin closed her eyes momentarily. Almost ready to stand, she could see Mags beginning to lift her hand. Erin place a hand over Mags' wrinkled one.

      She locked eyes with Mags, "Please, don't, I want you to be safe." Erin's voice came out in a whisper.

     Erin stood up, trying to seem more confident than she felt. Fiona held her arm out, suddenly a little more contrite about the woman standing there. "Wonderful." Her voice cracked towards the end.

     Erin couldn't help but to find her eyes going back to Alex, who stood there with his arms crossed and a frown painted on his face. She knew—she just knew that tears were beginning to well up in his eyes.

     "And now for the men." Fiona's cheery persona was fully dropped now as she walked towards the other bowl, fishing around for the only piece of paper. With a small frown, she walked back towards the microphone.

     "The male tribute of District 4 is Finnick Odair—Finnick, please join us."

     Placing her hand on Erin and Finnick's shoulders, she announced to the crowd, "May I present to you, your tributes for the 75th annual Hunger Games."

     Erin allowed herself one last look at her brother before the Peacekeepers dragged her and Finnick inside the Justice Building. This time, she didn't even get to say goodbye.

     She felt as if she was back in the games, but now, she wouldn't be killing strangers. She would be forced to kill friends along with foe when she couldn't even bare to see them hurt.

     There was a rebellion growing, and the Quarter Quell was on the beginning of a long battle. Erin just didn't know it yet.

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