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ARAUCARIA, DESPITE NOT BEING EXPECTED TO GO ON CAMERA, WORE ONE OF HER NICEST OUTFITS THAT NIGHT. Most of the mentors decided to dress up, some in black or gray as they saw their tribute for the last time before their possible death.
She went a different route, wearing a satin-like two piece white pants and blazer set, golden accents all over. She picked out a white handbag, a rare occasion calling for her to abandon her school bag.
She wouldn't be mourning, Treech was going to make it.
The front door of her apartment opened, Sejanus letting himself in. He wouldn't be attending the interviews, given his tribute was still missing, but offered to bring her over to the filming location on his stop to the hospital to visit Coriolanus. Cari had accepted his offer quickly; her and Sejanus hadn't spent too much time together since the arrival of the tributes.
"Well don't you look nice," he complimented, tucking his hands into his pockets.
Araucaria gave him a thankful smile, meeting him at the door, "Thanks again for taking me." She let him lead the way out to the car, where his driver opened the door for the two to get in.
"Hey, uh, I'm sorry for not visiting you in the infirmary."
Araucaria swatted her hand in the air, "Don't worry about it, I'm sure you were worried about Marcus."
Sejanus dropped his head at the mention of his old classmate and tribute. "I hope they don't find him, for his sake. I just... I wish he would have spoken to me at some point, you know?"
Araucaria nodded, placing a hand over his, "Just know Sejanus, none of this is your fault. Marcus just needed somebody to be upset with." She was thankful that Treech hadn't done the same, but rather he accepted her and befriended her. "Besides, I'm sure you would have been much better help than me."
Sejanus frowned, tilting his head. Behind him, rows of apartments and shops flew by. "You always visit your tribute, giving him food and water— I can't imagine a more helpful mentor."
"We rarely talked strategy, to be honest," she shrugged, glancing out the window, "Mostly we talked about District Four. Most of our conversations consist of him making fun of me."
"He likes you," Sejanus declared, drawing her attention back to him, "Obviously."
Araucaria decided that Sejanus was speaking on Treech's platonic feelings for her, of course. Why should he develop romantic feelings for a girl far more privileged than him? Whose biggest concern wasn't going hungry, but wanting for acceptance.
The car came to a stop in front of the building housing tributes and mentors alike— and of course, Lucky Flickerman. "Tell Coriolanus I hope his arm feels better."
She hopped out of the car, finding her classmate Lysistrata walking ahead. Lysistrata was a nice enough girl, not quite as vocal as the rest of the academy elite. Not wanting to enter alone, she sped up to fall in step with the girl.
