𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐧𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 || 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐎'𝐃𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐱 𝐎𝐅𝐂

(v). don't just stand there staring honey, try to move your feet

Malia sits down in one of the seats on the train and watches as Gloss fills two glasses with one of the clear liquids on the alcohol rack.

    He clears his throat before walking over and handing one of the glasses to Malia who hesitantly takes it.

    "For fuck's sake, it's alcohol not poison," Gloss tells her, downing his in an instant.

    Malia bites her lip before taking a drink from the glass.

    "Can I ask you something?" Malia asks.

    "You just did," Gloss replies, heading towards the rack to get another refill.

    "Why'd you volunteer for Jake?" Malia asks. "You never once spoke to him, so I'm just trying to understand."

    "Jake was my mentor," Gloss tells her. "He told me all about how he was the famous 'Twin Titans' with Jade. And then he became 'The Last Titan' when she died."

    Malia takes another drink from the glass in her hand as she recalls her own conversation with Jake about his past.

    "Look, Jake hasn't known peace since his twin died and his family was murdered," Gloss continues. "I have a wife and kids. I've known peace. And Jake doesn't need to go back into these Games after finally getting close to that peace."

    "What do you mean?" Malia asks.

    "Oh come on," Gloss retorts. "The entirety of district one knows you're the most important person in his life. Jake has done a lot for district one, he doesn't let his own personal trauma get in the way of being a great mentor. Even when he was always drunk he'd give great advice. He's brought district one a lot of victories and everyone knows he couldn't kill you even if he tried. Plus, you're a badass. I know I'll be protected with you as my ally."

    "You give me too much credit," Malia says, downing the glass in her hand. "I didn't do much in my Games except kill literally all my allies. How can you trust someone like me?"

    "You should know by now that these Games aren't about trust," Gloss tells her. "It's about staying alive. The Capitol basically worships you."

    "You know how many sponsors someone could get if they killed the Cutthroat Queen?" Malia asks. "I'll be a target."

    "You protect me, I'll protect you," Gloss says, holding out his hand. "Deal?"

    "Deal," Malia responds, shaking his hand.

    "Great, we're on the same page," Gloss says, giving her a slight smile.

    The doors open and Cashmere and Jake walk in.

    "All the Reapings have been broadcasted live," Cashmere announces. "Once we get to the Capitol we are getting straight to work."

    "What she means is," Jake says, stepping forward. "This is a Quarter Quell, things are different. Haymitch won the last Quarter Quell and with everything that happened last year, everything is going to be about Katniss and Peeta. Their love story, their engagement, everything."

    "So what do you suggest we do?" Gloss asks.

    "Your stylists will help out at the Tribute Parade," Jake answers. "But it's up to you two to remind Panem why you won the first time."

    "Shouldn't be too hard," Malia replies.

    "But also," Cashmere says, stepping forward. "A lot of the victors are angry. They were promised a peaceful life after winning the Games and now they're all being thrown back into the arena like nothing. Our main goal these next coming days is to try and stop the Games."