𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐂𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐒𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐍 | 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀

SIX

When we get back to our floor on the training centre, we're immediately greeted by the victors and Stella who all compliment us, talking about how good of an impression we had made and how we are the biggest talking point from the ceremony. Finnick and Coral smile at me; Coral giving me praise after praise and Finnick standing next to her and awkwardly smiling. Stella is still buzzing, especially after she sees Valeria and Ophelia who come up to our floor, thanking them non-stop. She is nothing short of delighted. I'm about to go to my room when Finnick stops me. "Brilliant job out there, you handled it extremely well. You must've been so nervous."

"Thank you," I smile, "could you tell that I was nervous?" I ask, immediately concerned.

"No, don't worry,' Finnick shakes his head, "I just remember how nervous I was last year when I had to go up on the chariot, and I doubt you weren't."

I let out a chuckle. I had forgotten that Finnick is only two years older than me and that he won last year. I excuse myself to go to my room as if I can't stand to walk in these heels any longer. I open the closet and collect a jumper and some pants, much more comfortable clothes which I change into. Carefully, I remove the jewellery from myself and place it next to the dress on my dressing table. I give myself a mental note to thank Valeria for it because it must've taken hours and days on end of hardwork to create, much less think of it.

I make my way to the gigantic menu and whisper into the mouthpiece for some tomato soup and soon enough, it appears. It's hot and steamy as it appears within a minute. I take a seat at the edge of the bed as I swallow the thick red liquid down my throat. It soothes me and gives me a taste of home. Quietness consumes the room quickly and I'm exhausted. It's tempting to fall asleep, but I don't. I know there is dinner later on and I was curious as to what kind of food they served in the Capitol. Stella would also probably be mad if I didn't show up.

I finish my soup and place the empty bowl and spoon on the bedside table before I collapse onto the bed and stare at the ceiling. I think about Gill's words to me. He has a sister and that I'm like her. That we are in these games together. I didn't know he had a sister, having not talked to him that much, but I'm glad he sees me as a younger sister to him. I'm not sure if it's the fact he's so much older than me that makes him say that or that he genuinely sees his younger sister in me but I'm not bothered by it. What I'm more concerned about is his statement of being in these games together. How would that be possible? Even if our district wins, only one of us would be able to go home. Does he plan to team up with me and the rest of the Careers for the games? I still don't know much about his strategy. It confuses me but I'm too tired to think, pulling myself up and making my way to the dining room.

I notice a balcony that overlooks the Capitol on the way to the dining room, and when I reach the dining room, Gill, the victors, Stella, Valeria and Ophelia have already ordered some food and have taken their seats. There's an empty seat next to Finnick which I occupy, smiling at him as he smiles back. His dimples poke the sides of his cheek as he does so. "Want anything to drink? We're both still too young to have wine," he gestures to the bottles of alcohol in a big tub of ice, "maybe you should try a shirley temple. Those are good."

I have no idea what a shirley temple is but I order it regardless. The servers standing around the room are all dressed in white tunics and are completely silent as they serve us our drinks and food. I turn to Adrianna who is sitting next to me, wine is currently being poured into her glass but she doesn't seem as fascinated as me about it. "I saw you on television, you did great and the dress looked amazing on you!"

"Thank you," I say shyly as a grin forms on my face. "I hope I left a good impression on everyone there."

"Oh, without a doubt, Oceana!" Adrianna scoffs as she takes a sip of her wine. "You shined like a diamond out there and you looked just like a siren! You and Gill were unforgettable! You must be starving now, though."