~My Songbird~

Chapter 2

Ana paced around nervously, reality hitting her all at once as she found herself standing outside the entrance of the arena.  She was waiting for the tributes to arrive, hoping to get a good word in with Lucy before tomorrow.

Her eyes slightly lit up at the site of Lucy Gray, who wore a perplexed expression on her face as she took in the sight of the building, her anxiety building up as the games snuck closer and closer with each second. 

Her gaze fell on her mentor, who she shot a kind smile towards.  Hesitantly, she made her way over to her, rolling her eyes as two peacekeepers followed, keeping a very close distance to her.  "Hi."  She greeted, holding her hands behind her back.

"Hey there, Songbird", Ana replied, earning a nervous smile in response.  Lucy was very much aware of the pink that was currently spread across her face.  "Songbird?", she giggled, her nerves slightly calmed by her friendly, positive words.  The conversation feeling normal, almost.

"Yeah.  You know, cause you have an amazing voice!  Plus that show you put on at the reaping? Very impressive.  I found it to be very beautiful and emotional, I hope you know that."

The blush on Lucy's cheeks only grew deeper at that, as she lightly pushed her hair behind her ear.  "Well thank you hon!"  She looked around her before lightly taking her hands in her own.  "You're... different than I expected.", she explained.

Ana smiled in return, "How do you mean?", she asked with a tilt of her head.  Lucy looked down at her own feet, sucking in a breath.

"Well, it's just that.  You're apart of the capitol and the people here aren't the most fond of us.. districts", Ana remained focused, listening intently.

Lucy continued.  "I just expected you to be... well", she awkwardly scratched her head.  "A bitch?" Ana asked with a slight snicker.

Her tribute let out a nervous laugh.  "I guess so.. not that I assume all people here are ass holes but.. I definitely didn't expect you to be so kind."  Ana smiled at her confession.  "I just... thank you.  I really appreciate your kind, genuine words.  You've just met me and I already feel so safe with you", she explained. 

She let out a surprised gasp as Ana wrapped her arms around her, before relaxing in her embrace.  She tightly wrapped her arms around her back, holding on as if her life depended on it.

"I'm so scared to let go... I don't want tomorrow to even happen.  I'm scared if I do.. This will be the last I'll ever get to be with you", she rushed out.

Ana released with a sad smile.  "Darling, I promise to do everything in my power to keep you safe. I-", she was rudely cut off by peacekeepers yelling at them to enter the arena.

Ana sighed before taking Lucy's hand in her own, guiding her to the inside of the building. 

Everyone was given fifteen minutes to strategize, as they all mapped out the arena. 

Ana jumped when Coral yelled out at one of the tributes, telling the "lumberjack" to come over.  She witnessed him call over his other tribute, Lamina, before being cut off.  She felt a surge of sadness and sympathy when Coral said she only wanted him to come over.  She looked over at the girl who stood there in a bubble of misery and betrayal.  She was about to come over to her when..

                                BOOM

Screams filled the room as the ceiling collapsed in on itself.  Bombs were being set off all over.  "Lucy!", Ana screamed.  She ran over to her, covering the cowering girl with her own body.  She covered her ears and instructed her to do the same.  She made sure to protect her songbird, willing to spare her own life to keep her safe.

Lucy buried her head in the girls arms, whimpering in fear as the loud explosions shook the whole building.

Shots were fired as a few tributes tried to escape, but Ana didn't pay attention.  She kept her arms around the girl, staying there for as long as she would be allowed.

~Time Skip~

Ana woke up in a hospital bed, gasping in fear.  It was as if she had just woken up from a nightmare. 

"Oh!  Ana!", Tigris, her cousin cooed, crushing her in a hug.  Ana closed her eyes, burying her head in her neck.  "I'm so glad you're okay, I was so worried!".  Tigris sat down beside her bed, placing her hand in Ana's.

Ana smiled at her cousin before her eyes widened.  "Wait. Lucy?! Where is she?", she rushed out, panicked about her well being.

"She's okay!  She is safe", her cousin reassured.  Ana let out a sigh in relief, laying her head back down. 

Their attention was turned to the television as Lucky Flickerman mentioned Lucy's name.  She watched in adoration as she heard the girls voice, and listened in awe as she began to sing.

The lyrics of 'Pure as The Driven Snow' were mesmerizing, beautiful, real, and tragic all at the same time.  Her eyes swelled with tears, and stifled cries could be heard around the room.

"She's so amazing", Tigris stated, tears falling down her face.  She looked back at her cousin.  "I see that you two have a very good connection", she smiled.

Ana looked down at her hands, blushing.  "You thinks so?" She asked, her voice laced with hope. 

"Oh I know so.  And look!  Her donations are so high!  I think she's got a good chance!"

"I hope so, I really do.  Fuck the reward I just want her to be okay."  Ana shuddered, lying down as she tried to tune out her worries.