Breathe in, Breathe out • F Odair² •

XI

"I'm pretty sure I'm not scared of Johanna "

•∘♔∘•

Athena had been through prep with Ajax, Leto, and Hestia numerous times over the past six years. As such, it should feel like a routine occurrence that was, if anything, a slight nuisance. Still, though, it was hard to get used to the pain that came from being waxed and plucked and scrubbed at thoroughly, and Athena was also not expecting the emotional ordeal that it turned out to be. As it turned out, Ajax, Leto, and Hestia had all become attached to her in a way she had not anticipated and were anguished about her having to go back in the arena. They pulled her into a hug that knocked the wind out of her the moment they saw her, and each of them burst into tears at some point while prepping her. This left Athena to be the one who consoled them, which was uncomfortable for many reasons, including the fact that there was something distinctly awkward about patting the shoulder of a sobbing person while they waxed your legs. Considering the fact that it was Athena being sent to the slaughterhouse while they watched for entertainment, she was rather annoyed by the fact that she had to console them, but she really couldn't have expected anything more from them.

It was still an interesting thing to think about, though, the fact that they were so heartbroken about it. It reminded her of how upset Alayne seemed at the Reaping, though she tried to hide it. It really hadn't occurred to her that Capitol citizens were actually upset to see these victors be sent to their deaths once again, that they felt anything but excitement at this fun little twist the Quarter Quell provided. She was positive it'd go away as soon as the gong sounded and the Games started, but the fact that those feelings were present at all was surprising. After all, they clearly were not above sending children into an arena to fight to the death on a yearly basis. She supposed it was different with the victors since they had had all this time to grow attached. She supposed to them it felt something like watching friends die. The way the Games felt every year in the districts. It was something they could take advantage of, at least; during the interviews, if they could play up a tragic enough angle, they could use that sympathy to get sponsors. Hell, if enough of these tributes managed to pull on Capitol heartstrings enough, they might even cancel the Games.

That felt like an impossible dream, though, so Athena pushed it out of her mind.

By the time Ajax, Leto, and Hestia were finished and leaving her to be dressed by Tatiana, she was sore and exhausted and irritated. As she wrapped herself in the thin silk robe and sat up on the metal table, she felt more than a little wary about seeing Tatiana. She had no idea if Tatiana would react emotionally upon seeing her, and Athena wasn't sure how much patience she had left for Capitol tears. When Tatiana strode into the plain white room, however, she seemed quite calm.

"Athena," she said, pulling her into a quick hug. "Ready to get to work?"

Relieved, Athena nodded.

"That's what I like to see," Tatiana said approvingly, nodding. "Now stand up and take that off, let me get a good look at you."

Athena stood, took a few steps forward, and shrugged the robe off her, tossing it carelessly onto the metal table behind her. Tatiana circled her slowly, eyeing her critically.

"You look good," Tatiana said. "You're in good shape and the team did a good job prepping you. I was a little worried, when I saw them they seemed rather... distressed."

"There were a lot of tears," Athena informed her. "A lot."

"I see," Tatiana said in understanding. She walked towards her, taking her arms. "You're not gonna get that with me - not yet, anyway. Syrio and I have been putting our emotions into our work. As you know, these Games are very special. It's all victors, and though everyone here adores you and Finnick, every tribute is already loved by the Capitol. It's going to be a fight for attention from the Capitol - especially from sponsors - and what better way to do that than with your outfits?" Without waiting for an answer from Athena, Tatiana continued. "Syrio and I have been hard at work for weeks designing outfits that'll be sure to make the two of you stand out and shine the brightest."