Rowen Hart was not a rule follower. She was never afraid to speak her mind or follow her convictions no matter where they lead her. She was absolutely certain that the Capital could never take away her spirit.
But the Games change everyone.
Years a...
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~Finnick Odair~
*start song* (replay until end of chapter) I hated these parties.
They were nothing but a bunch of brainless people with more money than they knew what to do with. Although it wasn't the brainless horde that had me standing in the corner quietly and swirling my drink.
It was them.
My eyes glanced over to where President Snow stood, talking to his new and improved game maker, Something Heavensbee.
It was because of them that I bothered to come to any of these functions in the first place. My not showing up would bring too much attention. Snow preferred that I fly under the radar just enough to be valuable but also maintainable.
Not that I had any intention of purposely causing a scene.
"Ah if it isn't Ms. Hart." That Heavensbee man stated as he and Snow approached, tearing me from my thoughts. "You have no idea how eager I've been to meet you."
My muscles tensed, looking for an insinuation in his words. I was used to insinuations, used to ulterior meanings hidden beneath beautiful words.
A boisterous laugh escaped his lips, only making me tense further. "Oh don't worry, I'm not here for any of that."
Forcing a smile on my face, I stuck my hand out and shook his. "It's nice to meet you, sir"
"I remember your games vividly. They don't call you 'The Reaper' for nothing. Victors can now only hope to live up to your legacy, can't they?"
The familiar nickname caused multiple eyes to shoot our way. "I wouldn't call it a legacy. You try being placed into an Arena with trained killers and see what they call you."
Snow suddenly clicked his tongue in warning, sending a wave of terrified goosebumps down my spine.
"Well, it was nice to meet you. I think it's time I go and make my rounds" I stated, slipping away before anyone could object.
I forced myself to keep from turning around and looking to where I knew Snow was watching.
He was always watching.
The party around me continued as I shoved through the crowds, eager to put as much distance between me and the President as possible.
Multiple people touched my arm in greeting as I passed, but I was too spooked to respond. Not that any of them ever believed me to be much of a people person anyway.
Suddenly my body collided with another's, the person reaching out quickly to steady me so we both wouldn't go tumbling.
I was making a scene. Snow hated scenes.
"I'm so sorry. I wasn't looking where I was going and-"
"Hello there, Sunshine"
My eyes shot up to look at the man I had run into. There was only one person who called me that.
