THE SIREN'S SONG 𓇼 F. ODAIR

7 ~ the bloodbath

"The jacket is thin and water repellent, so I'm guessing the arena is going to be a tropical environment," Finnick said as Carolina put it on. "If I'm right, the arena is going to be similar to District 4."

Carolina nodded, staring at the tube that would inevitably lift her into the arena.

"I'm not sure what this is," Finnick continued, flicking the black pouch tied around her waist. "But it's probably there to help you in some way, you just have to figure out how."

The girl nodded again. Finnick held Pearl's necklace out to her. Carolina tried to put it on herself, but her hands were shaking too much. When her breathing started to get heavy, Finnick grabbed her hands.

"Match my breath," he said, his hands still wrapped around hers. "Let me."

He motioned for Carolina to turn around, which she did with no hesitation. 

As he put Pearl's necklace on her, she whispered, "Please, don't let them put me in there."

She turned around when a buzzer went off, saying it was time for the tributes to enter the tubes. Finnick didn't say a word, but he pulled her into a hug. 

Carolina had never thought a hug from Finnick Odair would actually bring her comfort, but she hugged him back.

"I'll see you soon."

She tried to nod at his words, but she didn't believe them. Carolina kept his eyes for a moment before looking back to the tube. Slowly, she made her trek toward it. 

The second she entered the tube, it latched around her. There was no going back. 

Carolina kept her eyes on Finnick for as long as she could. He may not have been her favorite person in the world, but he might just be the last reminder of home. The platform started to lift her, and her breath hitched.

It's okay, Carolina thought to calm herself. Everything is going to be okay.

60, 59, 58

Each tribute was on a platform that was completely surrounded by water. She knew it was freshwater immediately, and there was no bottom in sight, so it was deep. Carolina wondered how many of the tributes knew how to swim.

Surely the Capitol wouldn't let over half of them drown on the first night. 

Her gaze moved down to the black pouch on her waist.

Must be some sort of floatation device.

44, 43, 42

The arena was made up of a group of islands. The largest was to her right. It looked like an island paradise with healthy, green trees and a large mountain at its center. There was a slightly smaller island beside it, covered with the same tall trees. An island of tall grasses was right behind her, next to one that was completely made up of large rocks and caves. Small, wooden row boats were scattered between the islands.

31, 30, 29

At the center of everything was the cornucopia, which was its own island covered in a rainbow of flowers. There were tiny islands surrounding the cornucopia with bags on them, but all of the best weapons and supplies were at the center. 

Carolina looked at the other tributes, trying to find Marsh. She saw his dark blue jacket on the other side of the arena, in between Savour and the girl from District 3.

16, 15, 14

It's okay. Everything is going to be okay.

10, 9, 8