Songs & Seas | Hunger Games

X.

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WHEN MARIA WAKES, she's almost afraid to move at first. The entire ceiling glows with a soft yellow light allowing her to see that she's in a room containing just a bed. The air smells of something sharp and antiseptic. Her right arm has several tubes that extend into the wall behind her. She's naked, but the sheets are soothing against her skin. She tentatively lifts her left hand above the cover. Not only has it been scrubbed clean, but the nails are filed in perfect ovals, and the scars are less prominent.

She attempted to work her way out of the bed but there was a restraint strapped around her stomach. She then felt a cold liquid seeping into her vein from one of the tubes and the next thing she knew she was losing consciousness.

This happens on and off for an indeterminate amount of time, before being knocked out again. Once conscious again she can hear a man's voice yelling. Not in the Capitol accent, but in the rougher cadences of home. And she can't help but feel the slightest bit of comfort feeling that someone is looking out for her.

Then finally, the time arrives when she comes to and there's nothing plugged into her right arm. She thankfully now was clothed in a hospital gown. The restraint around her stomach has been removed. Lying at the foot of the bed is an outfit that makes her flinch. It's what all of us tributes wore in the arena. She stared at it as if it had teeth until she remembered that, of course, this was what they expected her to wear to greet her team. So she unfortunately got dressed.

The door slid open and Maria retreated fearfully back against the pillows of her bed. She released a sigh when she caught sight of Ceceila and Rhett entering the room with Devina following behind. Cecelia had a bittersweet smile on her face and Devina had tears in her eyes. Rhett had his arms crossed over his chest with the same hardened expression he always had.

Maria didn't waste a second though before she threw the covers off herself and ran to the man who instinctually wrapped his arms around her. She collapsed into his arms shockingly feeling comforted by his scent of cheap wine and cigarettes. She clung to his jacket while he rubbed circles on her back.

"You did good, kid," Rhett said softly. "You did real good."

Cecelia is somewhat teary and keeps patting her hair. Devina is talking about how she told everyone who would listen that Maria was a diamond.

Once she breaks away from Rhett she goes to sit on the edge of the bed. "How long was I out?" Maria asked.

"Four days," Rhett replied bluntly. "Your interview is later today."

Maria takes a deep breath nodding her head. She gnaws at her bottom lip. The door to the room opens revealing two Peacekeepers in their white uniforms.

"It's time for Miss Covey to get ready." One of them said. They both stepped to either side of the door to allow entry to the person behind them. Nessa entered next shoeing both Peacekeepers out of the room after she entered.

She walked gracefully over to Maria wrapping her in a comforting hug. Rhett and the others exited to give Nessa time to get her camera ready. Next Mina and Rina entered. They engulf the young girl, talking so quickly and ecstatically although she can't make out their words. The sentiment is clear though. They are truly thrilled to see her and surprisingly she was happy to see them, too, although not like she was to see Nessa. It's more in the way one might be glad to see an affectionate duo of pets at the end of a particularly difficult day.

Nessa exits briefly while the twins work on Maria's hair, makeup, and nails. She has to give them props for their efficiency and when Nessa returns they are almost completed. The stylist returns with a green gown in her hands.