EYES OPEN ﹐ the hunger games.

08 ﹐ WICKED GAMES

CHAPTER EIGHT
wicked games

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         ┊͙✧˖*°࿐ ESME STANDS BEHIND IVY, JUST behind the stage of where Ivy is set to have her interview at the Victory Ceremony. Ivy stands tall, made taller by her white stiletto heels, smoothing her hands over the long dress she is wearing. It's a white dress that's supposed to mimic the icy Arena she had nearly died in a few days before. The dress's straps are made of faux ivy, and there are more fake ivy plants covering her waistline and gradually floating down against the white of the skirt. It falls just above her ankles, clearly displaying her shoes. Esme adjusts the back of her dress, it is a strapless dress, after all, and she's determined to make some finishing touches.

"There," Esme says, smiling proudly at her creation. The dress complements Ivy perfectly, and the way her blonde hair falls in gentle curls down her open back completes the look. "How are you feeling?"

Ivy turns around to face her stylist, the long, flowing skirt swaying as she does. "Slightly nauseous."

Esme smiles empathetically at her. "I know. But the worst is over for now. You've already lived through it, it's horrid to have to rewatch it, but at least you know it's over."

Ivy isn't sure that she does know it's over. Since leaving the Arena, she has been plagued by restless nights, tormented by recurring nightmares that jolt her from her light sleep. Her appetite has diminished for the most part, despite the extravagant cuisine provided by the Capitol. Random waves of nausea had been hitting her randomly throughout her days, and although she was never actually sick, she would feel the effects of the nausea for around an hour each time.

"Alright," Ivy says. "What am I supposed to do? Just sit there and watch?"

"Mostly," Esme says. "Caeser will take the lead, so don't worry. They'll show a recap of your Games on the screen, and you'll watch it along with everyone else. Caeser might pause it at times to ask for your thoughts on certain moments."

Ivy nods. Just then, the crowd roars, and Ivy glances over her shoulder to see that Caeser Flickerman has just taken to the stage, outstretching both arms as he revels in the adoration of the audience.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" his amplified voice booms, causing Ivy to startle for a moment. Esme rubs Ivy's shoulders encouragingly, mouthing a small, "Good luck." Ivy smiles in appreciation before Esme leads her towards the stage wings. It's a lonely feeling, Ivy notices. It hadn't been long ago that this very place had been filled with others, with another 23 children. Now, she stands alone, and they're all dead.

"Welcome to the Victory Ceremony of the 68th Annual Hunger Games!" Caeser declares, prompting another round of applause from the massive crowd. Ivy doesn't need to steal a glance at the audience to know the sheer mass of people that will be watching her. The thought alone makes her feel ill. Caeser waits for the applause to stop before continuing, "And now, we welcome a very special lady. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Ivy Bates to the stage!"