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GATHERING ON THE circular balcony that overlooked Heavensbee Hall, each mentor stood at a desk, facing their tribute. The task for the day is to ask their tribute questions and fill out a questionnaire. Many of the mentors had yet to meet their tributes—many of them didn't care to meet them.
"In spite of yesterday's tragic events, our president has decided that the games must go on to show that the Capitol is unafraid of such acts of terror." Highbottom's voice echoed through the room. "To which end, Dr. Gaul wished you to preview this afternoon with your tributes. Later this evening, there will be a special televised presentation of each tribute for our audience to get to know them. You have an hour to discuss strategy."
Vienna took her seat in front of Treech, who greeted her with a smile. She couldn't help but appreciate the lighthearted greeting he offered, despite the grim circumstances.
"Long time, no see, Lumberjack." Vienna joked, managing a faint smile. The mention of Arachne—although it was indirect—had caused the negative emotions to resurface. Vienna cleared her throat, refocusing on the task at hand.
Treech's eyes, however, held a mixture of curiosity and concern. Leaning in, he softly asked, "How are you feeling, you know—about Arachne's death? I wanted to check up on you earlier, but you were preoccupied." There was a tad bit of jealousy in his tone when speaking about the events of the morning.
Vienna felt a lump form in her throat, the pain of Arachne's death still fresh. She admitted, "Despite everything, it's still sad. We hated each other, yes, but she was still my friend."
As she shared her feelings, tears welled up in Vienna's eyes. Treech, sensing her distress, tried to offer comfort. However, the handcuffs that bound him prevented him from getting closer.
"Oh, Butterfly. I'm so sorry." Treech placed her hands in his, the most he could do with the handcuffs on.
In the midst of her tears, Felix approached Vienna, kneeling in front of the girl as her hands covered her face. Concern was etched on his face as he offered a consoling hand, placing it on her leg.
Treech, physically unable to provide the comfort he wished to offer, couldn't help but feel a surge of jealousy—for the third time that day. Rolling his eyes, he looked away, frustrated by the constraints that kept him at a distance.
Lamina, who sat at the desk next to him, noticed Treech's reaction and teasingly remarked, "Looks like someone's not happy about sharing Vienna's attention."
Treech huffed as he watched his mentor being comforted by someone who wasn't him. Fortunately, the pair in front of him were disrupted by Highbottom.
"Forty-five minutes remain," he announced, before turning his attention to the pair and adding, "All mentors must stay in their designated spots."
