Reaper ~ THG AU

Ch. 44: Victors Village

"Oh! Look at you!"

I freeze as I'm engulfed in a tight hug. Ditus grips me tight, the heavy breeze blowing both of our locks of  hair around outside the station. Two familiar faces stand on either side of the escort, smiling towards me despite the disgust clear on their faces.

"You look absolutely beautiful, Darling. I don't even know if you need those two. They can't even handle the smell."

"We'll get used to the smell, my Dear. Now come here."

Sanchi pushes forward, pulling me into a hug as soon as Ditus lets go. Minerva does the same as soon as I'm free. All three of them drip with excitement as they pull me further away from the platform.

"Sorry that Noviana and the rest of your team couldn't make it. Everything is absolutely balistique in the Capitol. Everyone wants a new piece from both Noviana and Aetos! It's just absolutely exciting!"

Minerva gushes as she grips my arm. Briar and Sloan stand nearby, the latter holding a welcoming smile as her older sister glares. As I look at them, the three finally notice the two other females dressed in district garb.

"Oh! Who is this?"

"This is my best friend, Briar Bauer, and her little sister, Sloan Bauer. They both are as close as sisters to me."

"Sloan...is this the girl you volunteered for?" At my nod, Ditus gushes as all three of them step forward to greet her. "I can see why! Look at you! You are absolutely darling! I could just bottle your sweetness and take it home with me! My name is Ditus! This is Sanchi and Minerva! They're here to fix Azalea up for the cameras!"

"It's lovely to meet you all! I do hope you have a wonderful time here in eleven...."

"Oh! What a doll! Now. We must be going if we're going to get you prime and ready for the unveiling of your new home!"

Ditus once more grabs me up, dragging me back towards my home that will soon be empty of all that makes it so. Sloan grabs my free hand as Briar grips her tight to her side. All six of us cause eyes to watch us as we walk through the dirt paths of district eleven.

——

"No. I'm not taking off this shirt. I want wear it today."

"But Noviana sent a whole outfit! How are we supposed to showcase her work if you won't allow us!"

"You wear it then! I'm not taking off Acacius's shirt!"

Ditus steps forward, stopping me and Minerva from arguing over what I wear. The tall escort seems to find a way for both of us to calm as their melodically singsong voice sounds through my room.

"Alright...alright. We can make this work." Minerva goes to complain until Ditus holds up a perfectly manicured hand. "Trust me on this. Now. Knowing Noviana, she didn't just send one outfit. How many bottoms did she send?"

"Three pairs of pants and two skirts. She figured we could work with them, but Minerva here had her heart set on the dress."

Sanchi sighs, filing his nails while lounging on the stripped bed. Minerva glares towards him before smiling towards me before reaching for the dress in question. It's covered in a dress bag that blocks anyone from seeing it.

"I just think you would change your mind when you see how beautiful it is! It's some of Noviana's best work! It's even inspired by you!"

"Minerva. The dress could be nothing but gold and the most expensive gems in Panem and I would still pick this shirt." She looks offended as I sigh, deciding to compromise a bit. "I promise, if you let me wear this shirt today, I will wear whatever you pick out the next time I have to get styled, okay?"