In Our Favor

Ch.7

📍Hotel Room
9:00am

After my quick shower, I pull on my collared, long sleeved, tight black top. Paired with my black leggings. I part my hair down the middle and start braiding. In the week that I had, I practiced and practiced my braids until I got it right. I finish my hair with two semi good looking ones.

I unzip my bookbag and stuff my arena costume and token in it. I grab an apple from my hotel kitchen, sort of regretting how little I ate last night, and swing my bag over my shoulder.

I open the door and walk down the hall to meet with Finn, Katniss, and Peeta. When I do, they nod at me, and we silently ride the elevator down, anxiety thick in the air.

Right when we get down there, we see our stylists waiting on us. Zero turns around with a smile, desperation to brighten up our days apparent in her face. Everyone meets their stylist, and Zero tries to stick around. But I'm really not in the mood for a meet and greet.

I grab Zero's arm and drag her into the elevator. Taken by surprise she gives Finnick a quick kiss on the cheek before joining me.

"In such a rush to get to the games?" She asks, half jokingly.

"I'm not up for socializing. Not today." I say coldly, causing her smile to fade.

We get to the roof floor and step out onto the helipad. We walk over to the hovercraft and sit across the isle from each other.

"Your tracker." The man in all white says.

I hold out my arm and he sinks the thick tube into my arm. I wince, not being used to that feeling yet. I see the gadget light up in my arm, making the reality of it hit me all over again. But my sadness is short lived, as we immediately take off and are en route of the arena.

----

We feel the hovercraft land, and the door opens. Zero holds my hand as we step out and walk through the underground metal tunnel.

I go into the small bathroom and change into my arena attire, not forgetting my golden bracelet. I walk out to see Zero waiting for me outside of the tube.

"30 seconds to launch." The automated voice rings out.

I join her in front of the tube and she grabs both of my hands. I don't think I've ever seen this much pain in her face, not even 10 years ago. I believe this is her worst nightmare, as well as mine. Tears start streaming from her eyes.

"I'm so so sorry." She croaks, voice breaking with sorrow.

She does this a lot. Feels such great pity for me that she apologizes when it's not her fault. I feel for her more than myself.

"Survive, my beautiful girl." She chokes out.
"I love you."

She kisses my cheek.

"10 seconds to launch."

I shakily step into the tube. I give Zero a reassuring smile, knowing that she's done everything in her power, yet still feels like she lost. She gives me a smile back just before the tube starts rising.

I take deep breaths over and over, practically hyperventilating, as I try to prepare myself for what I'm about to go through.