Let The Games Begin // Billie Eilish

Chapter 13

"That concludes our closing ceremony for the 80th annual Games. Don't forget to tune in for the player's interviews next Friday. Thank you, and Goodnight!" Sabine and Soren close off the ceremony with broad shining smiles and a wave, as the camera once again moves along the line of players, catching a shot of each set of partners.

It is only now that I have snapped out of my trance and come back to reality. I look around to get a look at who is paired with who and sigh a breath of relief as I see James standing next to Audrey. He looks so happy. However, his expression changes in an instant as he looks over at me. I can't tell if he looks happy? Surprised? Angry?

The lights go down, and the music stops, leaving everyone standing in a lovely, peaceful silence.

That silence did not last long.

I become painfully self conscious as I notice that everyone's stare is directed at myself and Billie. She looks at me with a satisfied grin, as if she isn't bothered at all by the blanket of judgement engulfing us.

"Yo, 12." I hear Peter's shrill voice coming in my direction. He aggressively walks up to me and stands uncomfortably close to my face.

"What do you think you're playing at, huh? Pairing up with a girl and leaving me with a FUCKING dude from block FUCKING 11? Nah, that's not gonna go down well with me." He says as he starts harshly poking me in the chest.

I back up a little, almost tripping over a wire but he just keeps coming closer and closer.

"You little FUCKING snake. You are gonna regret this you little bitch." He spits.

"Bro get the fuck away from her." Billie says as she shoves him away from me. I feel a rush of excitement build up in my stomach at her protective gesture, but I try to suppress it. I can't let myself get attached.

"Don't fucking touch me!" He shouts at her.

He glares at her as she keeps her hand pressed against his chest to prevent him from coming any closer to me.

He then looks back over to me, anger laced in his eyes.

"You're gonna regret this, Cove. You and me? We're not friends. Watch your back. I mean it." He states quietly and marches out of the door in a huff. Behind him stands his partner, Klaus.

I send him a sympathetic smile before turning back towards James. His eyes are still focused me, and I recognise his expression as disappointment.

I step away from Billie and walk over to him, each player staring at me as I do.

"James, please just here me out. I'm sorry that I didn't tell you, but I-"

"Stop it Cove. You don't owe me an explanation, it's fine." He says sadly.

"No, I do. I shouldn't have lied to you. You've been nothing but good to me and I shouldn't have broken your trust like that. I knew it was wrong but I did it anyway and I'm just so sorry" I reply so fast you can barely make out a sentence.

He shoves his hands in his hands in his pockets. "I just wish you'd told me. I hate that you feel like you can't talk to me."

"I know. I suck." I say I hang my head low.

He just nods his head at me, squinting his eyes as though he's holding back from saying something.

"Can I just ask one thing?" He questions.

I raise my eyebrows, inviting his curiosity.

"How on earth did you manage to pull Billie?" He asks and let's out a light chuckle.