Scarred | The Hunger Games

9.

I ran back to my new house, desperately trying to get to a phone, or something, anything that could get me in contact with Snow. The door was already ajar as I pushed through it.

"I see you've received my surprise Miss Tream." Snow said, his eyes lingering on the rose I held in my hand.

My breathing hitched, "What are you doing here?"

"My darling, I told you that I would be there, exactly when you'd need me." He smirked, and I felt sick to the stomach, worse than when I had come face to face with the corpses in the arena.

"Is she dead?" The words slipped out my mouth ever so weakly.

"No. Not for now. She'll stay alive if we can... come to a compromise."

He didn't want to come to a compromise. He knew he would get what he'd want. I bit my lip, "how do I know if she's even alive?"

Silently, he slid a live hologram projector on the desk, the screen lighting up to show Ottiline. Her frizzy brown hair stuck to the sweat on her forehead, and she was holed up in an all white room, which seemed comfortable, yet was such a stark contrast to the lifestyle we were used to. She must be petrified.

"Otti!" I tried to get her attention, my eyes watering knowing she was alive.

Her head snapped up, catching sigh of the hologram projector in front of her. "Eula!" She cried, trying to reach out to me. "Eulalia! Where are you-"

The screen shut off, Snow putting his hand on the device. "Eulalia, huh? That was definitely a twist I didn't see coming."

I stayed quiet, my real identity coming to light.

"Tell me, Eulalia, are you even 14? Is your surname Tream?" I stayed quiet, petrified. "I'm sure Ottiline would appreciate if you spoke up."

"...How do you know her name?"

"I make sure I know everything about my victors, yourself being the last of the puzzle. Now, answer my questions. "

"I am 14. My name isn't Novalie Tream, my name is Eulalia Frane."

Snow nodded, taking a sip of whiskey that Cecelia must have gotten for me. "Good. Very good. Now, let's continue with the proposal."

I knew that victors deemed desirable would have been sold off, but with my scars, I didn't think they would do the same with me. I thought my mangled body would actually protect me. I thought I was safe.

"Usually, I wait a bit for my victors to adapt, but with your popularity... You shall begin next week." Snow said, before beginning to stand.

Panic struck my chest. "Wait, sir." He froze, glaring down at me. "How do I know you won't just kill my sister after this conversation? How- how do I know that wasn't pre-recorded? How-"

"I assure you your sister will not be harmed so long as you do your job." My mouth falls open, the lack of reassurance making me want to cry. "However, since I can see the uncertainty layered on your face I will make your another offer. Every time you visit the Capitol for an appointment, you may take a visit to your sister-"

My spirit lifts with the possibility of seeing my sister again, excitement to see my baby sister. Ready to come back to the one person I fought to see again.

"But to be allowed this agreement, this little visit to little Otti, you must do one thing in return. You see, since your games, many Capitolites have developed a new kink. Your scars turn them on, and they want to steak claim." No, it can't be. "They want to make scars of their own, show that they have been with the Shark Biter as well. Everyone wants a bite of you, Eulalia."