That Fine Line

Chapter 5 - Flying

"Please welcome from District Four: Y/N L/N and a crowd favorite... Finnick Odair!"

The crowd around us erupted into cheers and screams the second the announcer called Finnick's name. On the screens, the close-up camera focused itself on us, zooming in on our revealing outfits. The announcer explained the relevancy of the fishnets being symbolic of our District being responsible for Panem's fishing industry.

I still couldn't bring myself to move after his unrequited decision to stand behind me. It took me a while to convince myself that what he'd done wasn't an attempt to violate me, but to cover me in avoidance of further embarrassment.

As he waved to the crowd around us, beaming his signature charming smile, he whispered under his breath, "Y/N, what are you doing? Interact with the audience. At least smile."

I tried to smile, but it felt and probably looked forced, as the cameras switched away to District Five's tributes. I couldn't do it. The vulnerability was too strong. I felt like a trapped rabbit standing in front of a looming tiger who could pounce and devour me at any second.

"Okay, let's try something new." He said in resign. At first, I assumed he'd accepted that I was not going to move or act at all natural, until I felt his hands grasp my wrists gently. My eyes widened in fear.

"Work with me here," he purred gently in my ear. His voice was so unexpectedly soothing to the point where I immediately relaxed at once. I let him lift my limp arms up and nestle his chin on the crook of my neck. Despite this proximity, I knew he kept his promise about not touching me, as I felt nothing, not even a graze, from behind me. My arms were now outstretched, my body in the form of a capital "T".

"Good," he complimented, "Now leave them there." He rested his hands on my hips, occasionally lifting a hand to wave at the crowd.

Noticing our change in position, the cameras refocused on us, zooming in on how close we were. I couldn't tear my eyes away from the long lashes of his that draped over his eyes, or the bronze hair that complemented his tanned skin perfectly. These cameras must've had some sort of magical filter because they'd made him look completely unreal. I didn't even bother to look at how I was doing anymore. All I saw was him.

The wind picked up, and I felt the cool air rush under my arms, by my side, and through my hair. Normally, in such a dangerous position, I would've been afraid of falling backwards or being blown away, but something about the warmth of his hands on my waist and the heat radiating off his chest onto my shoulder blades made me feel so safe.

For a moment, I forgot all about my life in the Districts. About how my family fell apart. About how he had deceived me. The only thing on my mind was how I feeling right now:

Like I was flying.