The Raven - [HGxMCU] WTM

Episode 3.3 - The Victors' Secret

[The scene cuts again to Viv and Finnick – who have met up in Viv's apartment – sitting and talking and joking.]

Finnick: Your first threesome, huh?

[Viv chuckles and shakes her head at Finnick and gives him an incredulous look.]

Viv: And my last if I had a choice.

[Finnick laughs at her.]

Despite everything, the Avengers were just glad that she had someone by her side through this entire experience and that they could joke about it, even if it only temporarily numbed the pain.

Finnick: Well, unfortunately, you don't, so we gotta make the most of it.

[Finnick pulls out a piece of paper from his pocket and places it next to the paper Viv had placed there earlier.]

Finnick: I ended up with one of the gamemakers tonight. It should be juicy.

[Finnick wiggles his eyebrows while Viv smirks at him.]

Viv: The guy I was with used to be Snow's personal assistant before retiring when his wife got pregnant.

Finnick: Oooh, you have me beat, I think.

Viv: I think I do. Now, let's read! Take your pick, Finnick; you read the first one.

[Finnick dramatically hovers his hand over the two pieces of paper before picking one.]

[He reads it silently before pulling a face of disgust before reading It out loud.]

Finnick: The Mutts used in the arenas are made from the remains of fallen tributes. Their eyes and their skeletons.

"I'm sorry, Blake, but what's a Mutt?" Bruce asked carefully.

She takes in a deep breath of air before replying, "Man-made creatures that are often in arenas, they try to kill you. But often, they use parts that look like people you know. For example, they set a rabid dog on a tribute, but that dog has the skeletal structure of their ally who had died or their eyes. They make it more personal. But they also make some that are terrifying monsters. I'm sure we shall see some later."

Bruce just nods.

Everyone felt their faces pale at the secret mentioned. It was disgusting. It was horrific and so inhumane. After everything, the dead still couldn't have the peace they deserved.

[Viv's eyes widened, and she just sat there in shock and disgust.]

Viv: Oh god.

Finnick: [Whispers] Yeah.

Viv: They torture us when we're alive; why couldn't they just let the dead rest?

[Finnick doesn't respond; he just hugs Viv and brings her to his side.]

[After a moment, Viv reaches forward and grabs the other paper.]

Viv: Over the years, there have been many mysterious deaths to adversaries, even allies who were deemed threats to President Snow. He used poison. Snow drinks from the same cup to deflect any suspicions. But the antidotes don't always work, which is why he always wears white roses that reek of perfume. To help him cover the scent of blood from sores in his mouth that will never heal.

A collective sigh could be heard across the room, all shocked by the revelation and shocked by the extent this man goes just to remain in power.

[Finnick blows out a long breath of air.]

Finnick: Well damn.

Viv: Yep.

[There is a moment of silence while Finnick and Viv digest the information that has been revealed to them.]

Viv: Just so you know, if you ever get in a situation where you can speak up about all this and I'm not there, you can mention my name. The more examples of everything, the more.

[Finnick smiles at Viv.]

Finnick: Same goes for you.

Finnick: You're leaving tomorrow, right? Finally, going home.

[Viv lets a genuine smile cover her face.]

Viv: Yeah, my train leaves in the morning, what about you?

Finnick: Leaves at midday.

Viv: Good.

Finnick: I won't see you again until the next Games, you know that, right? You'll be the mentor.

The reminder that Blake now has to return to the Capitol every year to be a mentor to children who are about to be sent into a death arena added to the already heavy atmosphere that was in the room.

Viv: What's being a mentor like?

Finnick: Hard. It's like reliving your own games in some cases. You'll find most of the mentors drunk if I'm being honest.

Viv: Any advice?

Finnick: Hope for the best, but prepare yourself for the worst. Try not to get attached to anyone. It'll be harder in the long run for you if you care for them.

Viv: That sounds fair.

Finnick: You know, I was Annie's mentor? It's how we met...

[Viv looks at him with wide eyes and scoffs.]

Viv: Is this you telling me I should help someone win and date them?

[Finnick looks at her with a broad smile and laughs.]

Finnick: No! Definitely not.

[Finnick winks at Viv, causing her to scoff again.]

Viv: Oh my god, I can't believe you.

[Now we see Finnick and Viv just messing around and laughing with each other. Forgetting the horrors of everything they've experienced.]

Everyone smiled slightly, glad that the heavy atmosphere had broken. Everyone could appreciate the friendship between the two. They were happy that they had each other.

Blake watched the screen with glazed eyes. She didn't miss her old life, not in the slightest, but the people who were in it, that was another story. Natasha noticed her expression and tightened her hold on Blake to provide comfort and try to break her out of her own thoughts.

This seemed to work because Blake's eyes snapped up to Natasha's, and they both stared at each other for a moment with a slight smile on their faces. Blake leans in and quickly places a kiss on Natasha's lips in thanks for breaking her out of her own head.

[The scene changes to Viv and Finnick standing outside of a train saying their goodbyes.]

Finnick: I'll see you soon.

Viv: I'm gonna miss you.

[Finnick pulls her into a tight hug and whispers in her ear.]

Finnick: I'm going to miss you too.

Viv: Thank you.

[Finnick's eyebrows scrunch in confusion.]

Finnick: For what?

Viv: Taking care of me.

Finnick: Of course, we gotta stick together. Next time we're together, it'll be a reunion. We will see Johanna, and the terror-some trio will be reunited.

[Both of them laugh.]

Viv: Goodbye Finnick.

Finnick: Goodbye Vivienne.

[The scene changes to Viv on the train, watching the view go by as she leaves the Capitol to return home to her family.