Allied Hearts - Finnick Odair

Chapter 22

'Thank you, Bee.' Staring at myself in the mirror I was glad to have my usual stylist back.

The dress was a bit poofy for comfort but I won't complain, it is a ball after all. It was white like a wedding dress but father insisted the theme was to that colour. False lilys dangled from my hair in pristine structure, glued on with enough hairspray to gas out the dining room.

'All ready?' Ava asked for my confirmation to which I nodded. She stood in her usual long beige dress with her hair in a neat updo, the workers weren't allowed access to the party. If I had it my way Ava would be invited everywhere I went, but unfortunately it's not my decision.

The grand hall was a sight to behold, white ribbons fell from the roof and balloons stuck to the ceiling. Lilys stood tall in vases on tables around the room, matching the ones that lay in my hair. People had already begun to dance but at the presence of myself they watched respectfully. Whoops and cheers erupted as I gracefully walked down the elegant stairs.

Scanning around the room I looked for Finnick, I found him leaning against a wall with several Capitol women surrounding him. That was the usual at these events.

'Happy birthday Alia.' An overexcited girl in a fluorescent orange dress hounded on me as soon as my heeled feet hit the level ground. If I remember right her name is Shannon, and she loves to be the centre of attention if you couldn't already tell by the dress code rule breaking.

'Thanks.' Was all I could mutter out, I wasn't too skilled in fake friendliness.

'So, I hear you're friends with Finnick.' Wow, word really did travel fast didn't it?

'Yeah I guess.'

'Do you think you could set me up with him?' Her high pitched squeal made it hard to not roll my eyes in annoyance but I managed to resist. It's not proper for the presidents daughter to be impolite to guests.

'I'll mention your name.' My promise would most likely not be followed through but Id try anything to avoid further conversation with the extravagant young lady before my eyes.

Dresses swirled ferociously around the dance floor as the Capitol citizens showed off their wealth with expensive jewellery and overpriced gifts that were laid out on a table to the side. I wonder what someone from the districts would think if they saw this. It would probably compare to one of their wildest dreams.

Finnick often let me in on life in the districts and what it really consisted of; rations, hunger, depression and boredom. Is it selfish for me to say I wish I was born into that? I'm sure most district children would give their left arm to swap places with me.

Finnick was the perfect picture of a Victor as his white swanky suit clung perfectly to his toned body. Unlike most Victors who got a taste of the buffet life, Finnick made sure to keep in shape and it shows. He had pretty much become accustomed to the elite now though, the riches and the fame. I wonder if he'd choose to go back if he could.

'Alia!' Fingers snapped aggressively before my face. 'Come on, smile with your father.'

Pulling me out of my thoughts I noticed I had been joined by Snow and we had a camera pointed in our direction ready to capture the photo of the year. I put on my best fake smile and laughed alongside the man I call a father and he did the same. How did the Capitol not see the insincerity behind each pair of eyes?

'I hear your friend Shannon has quite a thing for Finnick, you should set them up.' His remark seemed more like an order as his beady eyes bore into my skull.

Before I had chance to disgrace him with backchat he was ushered away by people hungry to talk to him. Everyone adored him around here, they didn't know the real Coriolanus Snow, not like how my mother did.

'Would you care to dance A?' My favourite voice perked my ears up as I turned to face my best friend.

Biting my lip anxiously I scanned around the many eyes in the room.

'It's probably not a good idea Finn.' Gesturing my head to where my father had began to side eye us Finnick caught on.

'The pictures they took today will be hitting the streets by tomorrow, we might as well go out with a bang.' His shoulders shrugged as his outstretched hand stayed ready for me to clasp onto.

I had always admired how Finnick managed to uphold his nonchalant attitude, he always seemed as if he didn't care about consequences and what other people would think. A trait I will always envy.

What he had said was the truth, by tomorrow we'll be in enough trouble as it is so we might as well enjoy the night.

Gripping onto his comforting hand he led me to the middle of the dance floor, all eyes were on us but I kept mine intent on Finnick's face. His soft features reassuring my every being.

'You look really beautiful A.'

His words made me blush. I hated when that happened.

'You don't shape up too bad yourself.' Trying to keep my cool persona I knew wouldn't work. My insides were melting with the touch.

We swayed gently along to the soft music, his feet expertly tapping the floor. I wonder who taught him? I stared into the big blue eyes that I often dreamt about, getting lost in them it began to feel like were the only two people in the room. I hoped he felt the same.

Before the song ended his face tilted downwards to my smaller statue. My heart began skipping beats with the excitement.

His plump lips found their way to mine as my head swirled with the clouds. Like a dream he gently moved his lips hungry for more but restraining himself. Pulling away after a few seconds I longed for the warmth back.

'May I just borrow my daughter for a few seconds.'

And with that sentence, the nightmare began.