The full moon glowed bright through the tribute quarters' window, lighting my room up in a pale, blue light.
It was around 2 in the morning and I still couldn't sleep. I tossed and turned throughout the night and felt really uneasy. It felt like the collar of my shirt was choking me, like I was drowning in my own sweat, but somehow I also felt numb. Like there was nothing going to happen and after this uncomfortable night, everything would be fine. Even though I knew I would go up into the arena today. It was a feeling I couldn't explain, and I knew for sure that I didn't like it.
I thought about my strategy for tomorrow. Even though I didn't like the concept of killing, I had to, if I wanted to survive. I needed to take lives of others in order to live a peaceful one for myself after that. The guilt I would feel would be tremendous, but I must live with it. And that is life in this stupid world.
I finally got out of bed and wore one of those silky robes they gave here at the Capitol and made my way out of my room. Newt's room was across mine, so I walked across and slowly opened his door. He laid there peacefully on his bed, in a deep slumber, his features so calm and in bliss. Deciding not to wake him up I closed the door as silently as I could and turned around, before I bumped into someone.
I almost screamed but the person clamped their hand on my mouth and gestured me to keep quite. Relief flooded me as I found out that it was Dylan.
"You almost gave me a heart attack you nasty dimwit!" I whisper- yelled at him.
He gave a chuckle and said, "Not getting any sleep?" I shook my head and gave a small shrug.
"C'mon, let's talk a little over some hot chocolate." My mood immediately lit up at the mention of chocolate.
"Where do we get one at this hour?" I enquired. "Wouldn't everyone be asleep?"
He gave me a blank look. I raised an eyebrow, still confused as to what obvious thing I was missing. "You seriously didn't know that you could order anything from your own room by just pressing a button and it will be there in front of you within seconds or are you just playing dumb?" He asked.
My eyes widened and I almost yelled, "We can order anything?! Why did no ever tell me this before!?"
"Keep your voice down, you're going to wake everyone up!" Dylan said with a laugh and I gave a sheepish smile.
I followed him into my room, amd he went beside my bed and pulled out a small remote kinda thingie from the side of the cot. He pressed a black button and said, "Two hot chocolates", into the remote.
"If I knew about this before, I would have drowned myself in all the sweets I could get!" I exclaimed.
"Well if you win, I'm pretty sure you can do all that even at your house." He said. Right the next second, two steaming hot cups emerged from a compartment from the bedside table. He picked them up and gave one to me. We both went to the large bay windows and sat down on the cushion.
"What are you feeling right now?" He asked.
"Dunno, feels weird, but somehow I'm not terrified or nervous."
We sipped our hot chocolate in a comfortable silence when suddenly I remembered about his little incident with Chad's stylist.
"Oi, care to explain what's going on with you and Maryanne?" I asked while smirking.
He looked at me before sighing and said, "There is no point in lying so let me just say the truth. This isn't the first time we have worked for the same district. In fact we have worked together for the last 5 years. And I like her, and a few days ago she told me that she does too, but with everything going on in the Capitol, we both knew it wouldn't work out."
"Funny, Nat advised me to follow my heart."
"Sometimes a lot of things prevent you from doing that. This is Maryanne's last year working for tributes. She has been promoted to become one of president Snow's personal stylist. And after that we won't see each other again. And that is the bitter truth that the both of us have accepted." He said while frowning.
"So many hearts broken because of the freaking Capitol. Because of Snow." I mumble frustrated. "I wish I could just start a bloody rebellion against him just so that everyone could have a chance at love."
"(Y/n), just because Nat and I have some problems in the 'love' matter, doesn't mean you can't pursue yours. I know that you like Newt and Newt likes you. I know how you feel, trust me, but you both actually have a chance. Dont give it up!"
"I have heard that a countless times from many people Dylan. But the games starts today and if I don't win, that chance goes down with me in the grave. Instead of giving him hope of something that may be gone in a flash, I'd rather not give it at all."
"I understand (y/n). But promise me, when you make it out of the games alive, and after everything settles down, you'll tell him." Dylan told.
"I promise." I said with sincerity.
He gave a smile before getting up and placing his cup back in the compartment and I followed his actions.
"It's time to get a shut eye now. Massive day tomorrow." He said.
"Tell me about it." I mumbled.
He chuckled and gave me a warm hug. "At dawn you will be getting the clothing for what you'll wear in the arena. I don't think they are going to allow that necklace of yours there." He pointed to the pendant Newt gave me.
"But-" I was cut off by him saying, "I can sneak it in for you past the peacekeepers and give it to you before you get into the arena if you want."
I smiled gratefully as I unclasp the chain and handed it over to Dylan. He left the room after saying a small 'good night' and I mumble one too in response. I got into my bed thinking about the conversation I had with him that was very similar to that of Nat's. I knew for sure that I would fulfil the promise that I made if I won the games.
Only if I won the games.
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"(Y/n), wake up honey." A soothing voice awoke me from my partial slumber. The person had a sad smile on their pale face. Their blue eyes with deep feelings and a bright red wig to contradict her emotions showed through the light that seeped in through the windows.
"Good morning Nat." I groggily mumble. The lack of sleep showing in my voice.
"Good morning darling." She pulled me into a strong hug. "I'm so sorry (y/n), you have to leave soon now and this-" she let out a sob, "is where we say goodbye" I shut my eyes before the tears could come down. I hug her tightly before pulling away slowly.
"Let's get you ready shall we?"
I saw a neatly stacked set of clothes. A black top and a dark grey pant. The top had the number '4' on its sleeves. I took a shower and got into my attire and headed out to the dining area for a little breakfast. We will be put into the arena at noon sharp and we had to be at the hovercrafts by 11.
Two hours more.
I grabbed an apple and started munching on it when Chad came in. The next time I see him will be when we are fighting to death. "You alright?" He asked. I shrugged in reply. The three of us slowly ate our food in silence. I could see Natasha struggling to hold back tears. I was finished with my breakfast and got up from my chair.
Newt, Dylan and Maryanne walked in and the former ran over and literally lifted me into a tight hug. We hugged each other without saying anything. I let a small tear slip away from my eyes and before I could break down, I pulled away. He rested his forehead against mine with his eyes closed. "You will win. You have to, love." He whispered and I nodded.
"C'mon (Y/n), time to go." Dylan said softly. I bit my lower lip and looked into Newt's brown eyes.
"Take care, Newt." I said and with that I stepped away and gave Nat a comforting hug while she sobbed into my shoulder. I took a deep breath and walked towards Dylan, Chad and Maryanne. The four of us left the room after I gave Newt one last glance.
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"Judging by your outfit I'm guessing somewhere tropical. Not someplace too hot or cold." Dylan said as we made our way to the hovercraft. "So a forest I guess. Many places to hide and that's a plus point."
We climbed onboard and took a seat in the hovercraft. A Capitol lady with a big injection came up to me and gestured me to show my arm. "Your tracker.", She informed in response to my furrowed eyebrows. She injected the needle into my skin which made me wince due to the pain. A small beep later she took the needle out and left. The hovercraft took off and proceeded to our destination: The arena.
As soon as we landed, we were taken to small rooms assigned with our names. Once we entered, Dylan closed the doors behind him and pulled my pendant out. I smiled and took it and clasped it onto my neck, remembering the day Newt gave it to me.
30 seconds
My eyes widened with panic. I had just 30 seconds left for me to go into the arena. "Hey, shhhh, it will be okay." Dylan cooed as he pulled me into a hug. I hugged him back tightly as tears rolled down my cheeks. I thought about everything. About the oceans back at home, about the salted bread, about our little island, about Clara, Annie, Finnick and Newt. Dylan continued rubbing my back in order for me to calm down.
20 seconds
He pulled back and looked me in the eye. "(Y/n), you will win. I have faith in you. I'm rooting for you alright? You can do it." I nodded as I wiped my tears away and gave Dylan a genuine smile.
"Thank you, Dylan." I said with gratitude. He smiled and pulled me in for one last hug before letting me go.
10 seconds
I climbed into the pod and looked up. I could see bright light which momentarily blinded me. I looked back at Dylan who gave me a thumbs up and the very next second a glass door dropped down, encasing me in to pod. I pressed my hand against the glass and Dylan gave a single nod.
This is it.
The pod started moving up and light became brighter. As soon as the whole pod was engulfed by the light I looked around to take in my surroundings.
And I smirked.