Recalls of Surrender

The Nights Revelry

It requires immense fortitude to opt for peace instead of conflict. Disengaging from confrontation does not deem one weak, but if walking away from a fight is the definition of cowardice, then influence has no measure over me.

And if that wasn't enough to convince you, what else?

Envy can be a relentless foe, a constant whisper in your ear, leading you to question your worth and feel like the villain in your narrative. It's a battle that rages within, a struggle that can consume you if you let it.

I didn't feel any satisfaction from manipulating the situation. My feelings toward Finnick weren't out of envy, malice, or the need to assert dominance. My goal was to flee from the torment of raw emotions and cleanse my soul from the stains of immorality. Yet, despite my strenuous attempts, I could not outrun the looming specter of comparison. This oppressive burden served only to stoke the fires of self-doubt, a voracious beast that lurked at the edges of my consciousness, ready to swallow me whole. It was a battle within myself that no one else could see or understand.

And yet, his kind made it a constant struggle to keep those emotions at bay.

Especially when they insist on intervening, rushing to mend something that doesn't need fixing; in an instant, I felt a hand gently rest on my shoulder. It was a familiar gesture that always seemed to calm me down. Despite the tension, Ida knew how to sense when I needed him. With a reassuring smile, he said, "I know you don't want my help, but I'm here if you need it." Even though we may not see eye to eye, Ida's presence and loyalty have been unwavering since we were children. No matter the situation, he has always been there for me with his quiet strength and steady support. And at that moment, I couldn't imagine facing the world without him by my side.

"I was wondering when you would show up."

"I'm finally here."

I couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between Ida, Finnick, and me. Here we were, two sides of the same coin, our differences laid bare for all to see. As I watched Ida strut beside me, his custom garments and flashy accessories oozing with wealth and privilege, I couldn't help but feel out of place and inadequate in his shadow. The contrast between us was stark: he represented the elite, while I represented the outworld.

Ida took a deep breath and locked eyes on me. "I've known Finnck for years, and I can say without hesitation that his actions may sometimes seem stubborn or stupid, but at his core, he is a caring and well-meaning person." He paused, his hand reaching out to grab mine in reassurance.

"I can't put it past you that you'd come to his aid after everything."

"He may not always show it, but he truly cares about us." I scoffed and pulled my hand away. "I highly doubt that when his status is too far up his ass," I replied bitterly. But Ida continued to rationalize, always the peacemaker between us.

"You must understand his position, which is crucial when he has to play it out," he rationalized. As always, I knew he was always trying to make peace between us, but I couldn't forgive Finnck for his selfish and reckless actions.

"Even so, it doesn't excuse his behavior," I argued, my voice tinged with anger. "He constantly puts himself over our pact and disregards the consequences without considering how it affects those around him."

Ida sighed, his expression pained. "I know it's hard to see it now, but Finnck is doing what he believes is right for the greater good. He may not have made the best choices, but he's doing what he can to protect us all."

It was hard to take him seriously when he comfortably occupied a place at the top of the social hierarchy, benefiting from the system he criticized.

"Please," I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "Says the man who benefits from this system without a second thought."