The Sterling Nightingale ⟷ Finnick Odair/OC

That presses the depth of the ocean

Chapter Fifty Three | That presses the depth of the ocean

"Perhaps her pride had sealed her mind against a better understanding of her own heart. But this she did know – that she meant to capture that obstinate heart back again. That she would conquer once more, and then, that she would never lose him, she would keep him, keep his love, deserve it, and cherish it." Emma Orczy, The Scarlet Pimpernel

The remainder of the Victors arrive soon after. Sil, in wake of her sudden run in with Finnick, avoids him as solidly as she can. He seems to have noticed, but to her frustration, it only seems to amuse him. It puts her even more on edge, though she tries her best to mask that, too. It's not so easy to do, once the announcement of the rest of the Victor's arrival comes in.

Her heart is near to beating right out of her chest as she stands at the top of the stairs beside Coin and Plutarch. Gale is on her other side, content, it seems, to watch the proceedings from above. It's strange that his presence brings her such comfort, considering the fact that they hardly know each other, but Sil is glad to have him beside her. He is like a silent, enduring strength that bolsters her as she watches the proceedings from her higher vantage point atop the stairs.

The other Victors – Katniss, Peeta, and Finnick – stand in the courtyard below them. She feels Finnick's gaze on her every now and then, though Sil keeps her eyes firmly away from his. She fears that her love for him will blind her, and that looking at him now will give the depth of her feelings away. Not that it matters all that much – it seems that nothing she does will convince him of her indifference. He truly does see right through her, and it startles her. She is not accustomed to him reading her so well.

The train they are all waiting for had arrived about ten minutes ago, shuttling the remaining Victors into the Capitol. They need only wait a short amount of time before several long black cars pull up to the Presidential manor, and the last members of their group arrive.

Standing from her higher perspective, Sil has a great view of the proceedings. She sees the form of Beetee being helped onto the cement first. It is the first time she's seen him since the Quarter Quell, and is surprised to see that he now needs a wheelchair, for she hadn't known the full extent of his injuries. As one of the soldiers helps him, Johanna Mason pushes herself out of the car. The brash Victor from 7 has been badly injured, both mentally and physically, during her time in the Capitol. That doesn't stop her from pushing the escort of soldiers aside with a roll of her eyes. Sil watches her lips move as she snaps something at Beetee, but the man doesn't appear all that offended. He just smiles in amusement and watches Johanna stomp off with smiling eyes.

Next comes Enobaria from District 2, who looks lethal even in her casual jeans and button down shirt. Her expression is blank and Sil isn't sure if she's happy to be here or not. District 2 is a loyal place full of Snow's supporters, but Victors are rarely so black and white. Enobaria might've spent the first half of her life supporting Snow, but Sil isn't naïve enough to believe that she still does.

Haymitch is next. He exits the car with the familiar sense of swag that he seems to use in all dealings. When he approaches Katniss, he claps the girl hard on the back and gives her his usual leering smile.

Peeta and Finnick, having arrived in the Capitol already, means that the only other Victor remaining is Annie Cresta. Sil is happy that the girl is alright. Though she doesn't know her well, Annie had made a good impression on her during her short stay in District 4, back when everything was...

Well. Back when life made complete sense, and yet no sense at all.

Sil is prepared to see Annie – excited, even. What she isn't prepared for is how Finnick greets her.