The Hunger Games: The Luxury Of Death

CHAPTER 19 - THE FEAR OF FAILURE

Alyssa gently shook Elizabeth awake. Beth groggily opened her eyes, blinking against the harsh light filtering through the curtains. The worried expression on Alyssa's face immediately alerted her that something was amiss.

"Darling, wake up. Your mom's calling," Alyssa said urgently.

With a mix of confusion and worry, Beth fumbled for her phone, her heart rate quickening. She answered the call, her voice still heavy with sleep. "Mom?"

The voice on the other end of the line was strained, carrying a weight that sent a shiver down Beth's spine. It was her mother, her tone filled with a mix of relief and distress. "Thank goodness you answered. Your father's boat... there was an explosion this morning."

The news hit Beth like a physical blow, and she felt a surge of panic. "Dad! Is he okay?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Her mother's response carried a mix of emotions. "He's physically unharmed, sweetheart. He wasn't on the boat when it happened. But, it was sabotage."

The statement left Beth with a sense of foreboding. Anxiety gnawed at her as she processed the information. Alyssa, who had been anxiously awaiting the news, looked at Beth with concern.

"What's going on?" Alyssa whispered, sensing the gravity of the situation.

Beth shook her head, her mind racing. "It's a warning."

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Beth stormed into President Snow's residence with a fiery determination, her eyes ablaze with fury.

"You leave my family alone! Don't you dare touch them!" Beth shouted, her voice echoing through the grandeur of the room.

President Snow, seated behind a lavish desk, observed her with a calculating gaze. His demeanor was calm and collected. He regarded her with an almost amused expression.

"Ah, Miss Rivers. I trust you had an enjoyable evening with my associates," Snow said, his voice smooth and composed.

Beth's rage intensified at his nonchalant tone. "Enjoyable? You're sick! What did you do?"

Snow leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "Your family is unharmed, my dear. I would never jeopardize such valuable assets."

Beth's confusion mixed with anger.

Snow's smile was cold and calculating. "You and Finnick Odair are now considered Capitol favorites, my dear. Your presence in the Capitol has been quite the spectacle. The audience loves a good show."

Beth's eyes widened in realization. The pieces of the puzzle fell into place, and she understood the true nature of Snow's manipulation. "Our lives are not a game!"

Snow chuckled condescendingly. "Everything is a game, my dear. The Hunger Games, politics, even love. Please, tell Finnick Odair that he won't be required tomorrow."

Beth seethed with anger, feeling like a pawn in Snow's twisted game. "Tomorrow?"

Snow's expression remained composed. "I suggest you adapt to your new reality. I found your little show quite... interesting during the private sessions. I believe you can impress us once more."

President Snow's warning echoed in the grand halls of his residence, a chilling reminder of the precarious position Beth now found herself in. As Beth prepared to leave, Snow's voice cut through the air with a veiled threat.

"Be careful, Elizabeth. Your actions and words have consequences. Consider this a warning, and be mindful of the choices you make. There won't be a second chance," Snow stated, his tone holding an ominous weight.