Reaper ~ THG AU

Ch. 6: Grand Entrance

I keep my face neutral as we roll out into the bright sunlight. Drummers are lined on both sides, playing in sync as cheers and screams fill the air. I squeeze Acacius' hand, gulping as he smiles down at me.

The careers wave as flowers are thrown there way. Slowly, each group above us start to follow in their actions, waving and smiling as people cheer and call their names. When we get closer, Acacius looks down at me.

"Do it now."

I push the button, letting the train fall as it immediately starts moving behind me. With it pulled back and moving, a good portion of my legs peak through the hidden slit. The train starts moving as if it's dancing. A few gasps and screams of surprise fill the stands, their eyes on us as Acacius smirks. He tips the hat, subtly pressing on the flower before setting it on his head.

"Oh my!"

More cheers move towards us as the hat raises a bit in the air, showing off as he smiles and waves. I manage my own smile, waving at a few children near the front row of a section of the stands. Gasps fill the air as Acacius' hat takes a swift left.

He catches it with ease, pressing on the flower again before waving the hat as if it was part of the show. A few people stand, clapping as I blow a kiss. It's all I could think of as I thought of Ditus and what Seeder said. Acacius seems to take it up a notch as he slings the hat into the crowds.

Screams fill the air as a few teen girls move to catch it. I look towards him, a smile on my lips as I move to hold up our joined hands. Screams and applause over takes everything else as more and more flowers are thrown our way.

I blow another kiss before waving. Acacius does the same, higher pitched screams following his actions as we pass the last of ten stands. We come to a slow stop, an older man staring down at us as he holds up his hands. He seems to be looking deep into my soul, his eyes holding nothing but a bitter cold aura filled with blood and sacrifices.

"Welcome.."

Everyone calms down, looking up towards the president. He smiles, lowering his arms as he looks out towards the masses.

"Welcome tributes. We welcome you."

His eyes once again find me, making my skin crawl as Acacius lowers our hands to our sides. He doesn't let go, his eyes staring up towards the old man as more cheers fill the air behind us. President Snow looks back towards the other tributes.

"We salute your courage..your bravery..and your sacrifice. We wish you a happy Hunger Games. And May the odds be ever..in your favor."

His eyes find me once he ends the sentence, something behind his eyes that sends a chill through me. Acacius tightens his grip on my hand as his jaw shifts. I hear him huff, his eyes never leaving the man who could stop this all if he wanted.

But it's clear he never would.

——

"That. Was. Phenomenal! I don't think a single person missed you two!"

"Especially with that trick with the hat. Good call."

Chaff slurs, taking a drink of his flask. Aetos sighs, his arms crossed as he looks towards the side. Ditus laughs between them as they look between us all.

"I wanted that hat..."

Noviana let's out a small laugh as she reaches over to rub his arm.

"Don't worry. I can make another one for you, Aetos..."

"It's not the same..."

"I'm sorry, Aetos."

Acacius says, stepping down before helping me. Aetos sighs, looking towards my brother with a shrug.