𝐒𝐖𝐀𝐍𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐓𝐄 || Narnia x The Hunger Games Crossover

Chapter Eight

Time stuttered for a second as Caspian's words sank in, and Lucy looked up, wide eyes flying to him. 

"What?"

His expression remained calm, calculated, as if he'd been thinking it through all the while the mentors had been talking. "What if we were allies?"

Her breath caught in her chest, trapped, head pounding for oxygen, barely able to form a coherent thought. "Why… why would you want me for an ally? I mean, didn't you see...?"

"It could work," said Digory, leaning forward in his armchair. "But, are you sure? That's a big step."

Caspian nodded. "She's better than me at almost every part of training. Well, with a few exceptions." His eyes flicked to the now-black screen. "But it would be pointless to waste all that just because of one mistake. The Capitol will see once we get into the arena."

Lucy shook her head. "That— that doesn't make any sense."

What does he mean I was better in training?

"Are you trying to talk me out of it?" He raised an eyebrow, the slightest hint of a smile dancing in his dark eyes.

"Well— I, uh, no, I mean—" Lucy stumbled over her words. What was he trying to do? "I thought you said alliances don't last forever?"

"Well, they don't. Would you prefer I reconsider High King Peter's offer?"

His dry tone brought back some of Lucy's own wits.

"Even if you did, I'm pretty sure Peter hates you now."

Caspian smirked. "Ah, bother."

She took a deep breath and sighed, clenching her fists as manicured nails dug into her palms. How had he almost made her laugh in the middle of what should have been the worst moment of her life? 

"How would it fix this," she asked carefully, this time to the mentors, "If— if we were...?"

"An alliance would move the audience's attention away from your score," said Polly, "They're rare enough from outlying districts, and especially with Caspian's ten, you'll garner some interest."

"It would seem to be the perfect solution," said Digory. "Not to mention the obvious advantages in the arena."

Lucy pursed her lips, chest buzzing.

This could save her.

The mentors watched expectantly, both clearly in favor of the plan, and that meant it was probably her only chance.

"Let's do it, then," she said, surprised by how easily the words left her mouth.

"Splendid!" Polly grinned and clasped her hands together. "Well, I certainly didn't expect this, but I must say it's a welcome development. Your interviews will have to be adjusted of course, and, oh I have so many notes to make!"

"Tomorrow, I'm sure," chuckled Digory, "It's been quite an eventful day."

"Yes, of course, why don't we all get some rest and tackle our plans tomorrow? You two must be tired."

That might have been the understatement of the century.

Relief crashed over Lucy in the form of exhaustion, limbs heavy and head aching, begging to sink into bed and never get out.

The mentors stood first and said their goodnights, disappearing off to their rooms, and Zardeenah followed, sure to knock on their doors bright and early in the morning.

"Thanks," she breathed when only she and Caspian remained in the dim sitting room, purple city glittering outside panoramic windows. "I mean, you didn't need to—"