~ 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑦 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝘿𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙡𝙮 ~

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝟞

" 𝑊𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑟𝑒, 𝑡𝑜𝑔𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑤𝑒'𝑟𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑠 "
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I sit on the edge of the bed starring out at the golden pin on my dresser. My token, from Gages dad. It was his mothers, who sadly passed a year ago.

My thoughts race with Gage and what Vince said, I'm at a conflict though. I always thought if I was to be reaped that I'd do anything to go home. But Gage is here, I can't possibly turn away from the only thing that's kept me sane since my brother.

Moments later mags walks in, "my dear? You've been in here for hours. It's almost time to get ready for your interview" she tries to give me a meaningful smile, we're trying to hold on strong but tomorrow we'll be sent in the arena to be sent to our deaths. I couldn't imagine being a mentor, having to grow attached to these kids just to watch them die brutally in the arena. Year after year.

I nod in her direction as her eyes cast to the token then back at me as she leaves and shuts the door behind herself.

I sigh deeply as I look back at the token, I stand up as the bed creeks from the weight being let off. My fingers brush against it as my thoughts run wild again. It was true I've been here for hours, just trying to figure out what I'm doing, even if I make it out. The scars it'll leave, I'd wish I was dead than alive.

~

I sneeze at the powder being thrown into my face, "hold still! You're almost finished!"

I roll my eyes as she finishes my makeup, the dress is bigger than the one at the parade. I look at myself in the mirror, they put blue eye liner on to make the blue in my eyes more noticeable. The dress was only snug around the waist as it flowed down to the ground, the top was off the shoulders as it rested gently.

I looked more elegant and beautiful than hot and fierce, they went for a more royal look, with the sparkles on the blue dress. My hair was loosely in a bun and they left a few curled strands dangle down against my face.

I waited a couple minutes expecting Gage to come in but he never showed, I was a bit disappointed but I wouldn't let that show as I slid my heals on and walked out.

~

They lined us up girls in front of boys district by district. When I made contact with Gage he gave me a heartily smile as he hugs me, "wow you look beautiful, like Cinderella" he chuckled

I grinned at his remark, "where's my Prince Charming?" I say leaving him speechless a bit. He was wearing all black tux with tie that was the color of my dress, it sparkled as well. He looked very handsome but I wouldn't let him have that satisfaction over me saying that to him.

Ceasers voice boomed loudly at the cheering crowds, I watch as Glenda the girl from one steps out, she had a puffy dress but it still looked fragile on her. She smirked at the camera and joked with ceaser as the crowd was in awe of her.

God she made me sick. Shortly after Vince came on, he wore a striking blue tux with diamonds embedded in it, his hair was slicked back and he was very handsome.

"Now a handsome man like yourself." Ceaser speaks and I listen in

"Well I will say some ladies here that joined me definitely are eye catching" he responds as the crowd cheers

"Oh yes like Victoria Grace right! Everyone's got their eyes on her in the capital" ceaser nudges vinces arm

He chuckles and smiles at the camera, "oh yes, she is surely something. Even if I was to like someone in here, only one comes out right ceaser."

The crowd boo's and awes over the sadness
"Ah yes but who knows maybe the odds can be in your favor."

They wrap it up and I tilt my head, behind me I hear Gage snicker, "what even was that, a confession that he likes you vic? What a man huh can't even say it to your face." He mutters as I simply sigh

The others go on ahead as I watch Clement who I still can't put my finger on. Evans who is just the jokester and then my name is called.

"Ladies and Gentlemen the woman who you've all been waiting for, the beautiful, fierce, strong young lady from district four, Victoria Grace!!" He booms as the crowd goes wild.

That's my cue, I think as I put on my best smile and walk up the steps, I wave my hand to the adoring crowd and giggle as I sit on the seat, "wow you look breathtaking Victoria."

I smile as he takes his hand in mine, "you look quite dashing yourself ceaser" I remark as he makes a shocked face just to joke around, "oh stop you'll make me blush now" he remarks as the crowd laughs.

I giggle in reply as he grows serious, "now in all seriousness, everyone knows about your brother. He volunteered for Gage and risked his life"

My face goes a bit blank as he brings it up, is this some game to him, bringing up peoples lost loved ones and making it sound like a fun thing, like he wasn't apart of the reason their dead. Silence filled the air as I nod

"I'm sorry I know it's such a touching subject, you made quite an impression I believe on everyone with how young and talented you are. A score of Twelve, your strong presence. It's truly moving and I think to us all. It must be difficult going into the arena with your best friend"

"Yes, it is but I'm gonna try, to keep him alive." I blurt out slightly regretting the fact I did.

He pats my hand and sighs, "yes, well and try you will. I hope to see you again." He says and with that he takes my hand and raises it high as he smiles at the crowd, "MISS VICTORIA GRACE EVERYBODY!"

The crown once again goes wild and I suck in all my emotions, my thoughts as I look out at the crowds of thousands of people. I smile wearily but I keep my head held high as I'm escorted off the stage, mags is there to welcome me and I embrace her, "it's okay dear, they were trying to get you at your weak spot. I'm proud of you. You didn't let them in."

I don't speak I just hold onto mags as I take a deep breathe in. I hear the crowd go wild again as Gage walks onto the stage.

"Gage! My boy, how has it been at the capital?"

Gage gives his cute little thinking face, "well I can say for sure that the beds are different"

Ceaser looks out at the ground raising his eyebrow, "oh yes the beds" the crowd laughs as Gage smiles at him

I can't help but let out a bit of a giggle myself as I watch Gage on the screen.

"Now tell me Gage, I think we all saw that flood of relief on your face when you got reaped, were you hoping to?"

Gage chuckled a bit and nods, "well, yes, for Vic. I wanted to know that If it's going to be our last days it's going to be with each other and that maybe I could protect her as long as I could."

The crowd swoons at the thought

"That's very deep Gage, could you even say you love Victoria?"

This takes Gage back a bit as he looks down then back at the cameras, "well uhh, yes, I do love Victoria. Who wouldn't love her."

Ceaser nods and smiles, "yes I think we all agree, Everyone loves her, don't WE?" He piped up as the crowd goes wild and Gage puts on his best smile once more, "well I tell you what, you go and win for her."

Gage furrows his eyebrows a bit, "but I wouldn't win Ceaser, I couldn't win without Vic, Even if I was to, life wouldn't be the same without her." The crowd once again swoons as ceaser wraps it up, "Gage Romanoff, District four!" Everyone claps and cheers as he walks off the stage.

The second he turns the corner I almost knock him over as I embrace him, he chuckles as he embraces me back.
I can't seem to say the words I want to say back. I've never been good with words, even if their the most simple as can be.

We stay in a tight embrace until mags and our stylists escort us to our floor, Gage and I make eye contact as we break away, I know he's waiting for me to say something but nothing, I just can't make the words out.
Will I ever.
I have to, before it's too late.