The Hunger Games: The Luxury Of Death

CHAPTER 22 - THE LIGHT

Beth's heart bore the weight of an eerie premonition, a knowledge that whispered to her in the quiet moments of life. She had always understood, on some deep and unspoken level, that the day would come when she would have to bury her parents. Yet, no amount of preparation could dull the ache that settled in her chest as she stood on the precipice of that inevitable reality.

As she lowered their lifeless forms into the earth behind the home they once shared, an emptiness enveloped her, echoing the hollow pit that had formed within. It was a peculiar sensation, grief that manifested as a vacuum, pulling away the warmth and light that once radiated from the center of her world.

But amidst the numbness, anger thrived—a fierce flame fueled by the knowledge that their deaths were not a natural course of life but a sinister orchestration of the Capitol's cruelty. The strings of their fate were pulled by the puppet master in the gilded halls of power, and the realization filled her with a burning rage.

In the aftermath of the tragedy that befell Beth's family, Finnick stood by her side as a steadfast companion, offering his support in ways both seen and unseen.

Beth, overwhelmed by grief, found herself grappling with the weight of loss, unable to summon the strength to tend to the practical aftermath left within her home. It was Finnick who stepped into the breach, a silent guardian of her well-being. With a gentle determination, he not only helped her lay her parents to rest but also took on the somber responsibility of cleaning the remnants of the tragic event that had unfolded within the once-happy confines of their living room.

In the quiet serenity of the garden where Beth's parents found their final resting place, a delicate conversation unfolded between Beth and Finnick. As they stood before the grave, Finnick gently suggested adorning it with flowers.

Beth, still grappling with the raw wounds of loss, hesitated momentarily before responding.

"My mother loved Katniss. It was her favorite. But it's not the season for them now."

Undeterred, Finnick responded with quiet reassurance.

"Well, when the time comes, we'll get some Katniss."

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The return to the Capitol was a journey fraught with conflicting emotions for Beth. As she prepared for the impending ceremonies—first the crowning by President Snow, followed by the interview with Caesar Flickerman—a maelstrom of thoughts swirled in her mind. The gilded walls of the Capitol seemed to mock the grief she carried from District 4.

In her dressing room, Beth, accompanied by Alyssa, faced the daunting reality of the next few hours.

Alyssa, diligently assisting Beth with her attire, spoke softly to ease the tension.

"You're going to shine tonight, Elizabeth."

As the moment approached for her to be crowned, Beth steeled herself against the oppressive surroundings.

In the opulent chambers of the Capitol, the preparations for Beth's return unfolded like a meticulously choreographed dance. Dresses of extravagant opulence adorned the space, each a testament to the Capitol's penchant for excess. Amidst the sea of colors and fabrics, Beth found refuge in simplicity.

Alyssa, her faithful companion, moved gracefully among the dresses, each one a testament to Capitol fashion. Beth's eyes settled on a black dress, its elegance whispering a rebellion against the gaudy extravagance surrounding it.

"This black dress is nice.," Beth remarked, fingers delicately grazing the fabric.

Alyssa, her discerning eye honed by Capitol aesthetics, nodded in approval. "Now, for the ribbon. Any preference?"