"Ironic ain't it? The one woman I can't get enough of, is the one I'll never be able to have"
Delyth Bardott grapples with unexpected emotions for her tribute, straying from the expected norms of a Capitol girl drawn to a District boy.
Meanwhile...
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As her shoes hit the ground with each purposeful step, a sense of freedom enveloped her. The burden that once weighed heavily on her shoulders seemed lifted. While the uncertainty of where she'd stay lingered, the overwhelming emotion was relief. Living up to those stifling standards was no longer her concern. Her eyes remained dry; there was no trace of sadness.
The thought lingered in her mind – would her family come after her? She anticipated the embarrassment they'd feel at the news of her expulsion from ballet school. Deep down, she understood they'd never truly cast her out. Despite the annoyance she'd caused, the rumors of her being ousted would tarnish their image more than anything she had done.
Glancing at her wristwatch, she quickened her pace. Her urgency stemmed from the desire to speak to Treech before he stepped on stage. Despite her disheveled appearance – a prominent slap mark on her face, dried tear marks ruining her makeup – she pressed on, indifferent to her disarray.
Arriving at the Auditorium, she frantically scanned the crowd for Treech. Aware of his imminent appearance, she intensified her search. Finally, she spotted him off to the side, flanked by two peacekeepers. His eyes widened at the sight of her.
She caught sight of his nervous face and glanced toward the stage, where Lucky engaged with a live crowd, surrounded by cameras. Despite not being on stage, an overwhelming sense of nervousness washed over her.
"Treech!" she called out as she approached, witnessing a peacekeeper preventing him from moving closer to her.
In the dim backstage darkness, he sensed something amiss the moment he laid eyes on her. The vivid red mark on the side of her face caught his attention, and he couldn't help but notice the streaks of painted tears marring her makeup.
"What happened to you?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern. His hand moved instinctively to touch her face, only to be firmly restrained by a peacekeeper who promptly returned it to its place.
Her glare shifted to him before returning her attention to Treech. "I left home! Long story, I'll tell you after," she spoke hurriedly, the words landing with a surprising nonchalance that caught him off guard.
"How are you feeling? Are you nervous? You're going to be fine, don't worry. I'll be stood here supporting you the whole time!" she reassured him, speaking hurriedly and not allowing him a chance to respond.
He chuckled at her words, her mere presence instantly bringing a sense of comfort.
"And next up, we've got Treech the Traitor!" Lucky's voice echoed. She furrowed her eyebrows at the nickname, noticing Treech's look of confusion as well. Offering him a comforting smile, she watched as the two Peacekeepers escorted him onto the stage.
