That Fine Line

Chapter 6 - Arrival

{Sorry for the sudden change in the story name, guys. "Darlings of the Capitol" just didn't really work cuz it doesn't make sense in the context of the plot. Y/N isn't a prostitute in the Capitol, nor is she like super special and precious, so she ain't no "darling". I only used that original story name because I couldn't find any meaningful quotes from Finnick, so I just used a related reference. It's okay now though cuz I finally came up with an actual suitable name (imo) for the story so yay!}

The ceremony ended far too quickly for me. We'd arrived at the Training Center before I could get used to that feeling of flying.

As soon as we got off the chariot, I was once again exposed the second Finnick left me. I watched as he went over to the Avox that was feeding sugar cubes to the horses. Glancing around, I spotted a few stares from the tributes and staff who were gathering around. I began to feel self-conscious again.

Not bothering to wait for Finnick or even care about where he was, I stalked swiftly to the elevators. If I remembered correctly, my room floor corresponded to my District number. 

The double doors slid open, and I entered, quickly pressing the button to close the door before I even selected my destination. I did not want to be seen in such a closed environment dressed in mere thin ropes. As the doors shut, I caught a glimpse of familiar bronze hair and spotted Finnick talking with District Twelve's female tribute: the famous "Girl on Fire".

I couldn't see what they were doing or even hear a snippet of whatever conversation they were having as the elevator had already begun to rise. To be honest, it wouldn't be shocking if they had some sort of relationship together. This was just typical Finnick behavior. And Katniss? Well, "star-crossed lovers" turning out to be a total sham and play for survival wouldn't exactly be a revelation either.

The elevator bell sounded, signalling the arrival to the fourth floor. The apartment was just as I remembered it from two years ago. There were lovely yellow hanging lights above a white marble counter, which was decorated with mini glass vases with small flowers in them. The floor was also white marble, and the walls were eggshell white. The entire aesthetic of the room reminded me so much of our old penthouse.

I chose the bedroom that I'd stayed in last time I was here. The joy I felt when I saw the giant screen on the wall was overwhelming. Knowing that the apartment was empty, I let out an excited squeal, jumped onto the bed, and worked my way with the television on the familiar remote. It may have been four years ago, but it was like muscle memory when it came to navigating the device.

After changing into a simple nightgown, that I'd tediously found through the ocean of the latest designer clothing in the Capitol, I stayed in my room to catch up on all the beloved shows I'd missed since our banishment to District Four. Oh, how glad I was to finally feel actual cloth on my skin. I threw the fishnet in the fireplace, burning the atrocity that Belle called fashion into ashes. I ignored the knocks on my door, pretending to be asleep, even though the volume was probably loud enough for them to hear outside.

Despite the colorful attention-grabbing imagery that was constantly flashing in front of my eyes, there was a part of my brain that wouldn't stop thinking about how it felt. Flying through the open air, Finnick cradled on my shoulder, his feathery bronze hair tickling my ear, his warm breath blowing softly against my neck, the stability of his hands on my waist, and his presence that somehow made me feel safe, despite being naked in front of a crowd...

~

Dan woke us up early for breakfast at around eight-thirty since training started at ten, and he didn't want us to be too full for all that movement. I didn't care if it was the first meal of the day, I was chomping down on the cream puff that I hadn't managed to snag off the train yesterday before we'd left. It had been ages since I'd had my last Capitol-made cream puff.

"Did you sleep well last night?" Finnick sat next to me. He was dressed in a billowy button-up shirt this morning. The light blue contrasted perfectly with his tanned skin. 

I nodded. I didn't feel like talking to him. Who would wanna talk to their nemesis first thing in the morning?

"You skipped dinner."

"I didn't feel like it." Just keep the conversation dry, Y/N.

He stopped eating. "Is something wrong?" It sounded like there was genuine worry in his voice.

That's when it came to me. Why was he always worried about me? I mean, obviously I wasn't having the time of my life, but how was he able to microanalyze me and tell that I wasn't feeling well? It didn't matter if I was simply being hostile or if I was uncomfortable. Somehow, it was like he could just sense my unease.

"Is it about yesterday?" he asked when I didn't reply. "Look, I'm sorry I made you uncomfortable. That wasn't my intention. I just wanted to shield you, but I had to make it look... natural. Draw the sponsors' attention with something different."

I bit my tongue from being sarcastic and asking whether or not I should be thanking him. But before I could say anything, the sound of the doorbell interrupted me. Dan skipped towards the door to be met with an Avox who'd brought two boxes.

"Oh, tributes! Your training uniforms have been delivered!" he announced excitedly. "Hurry up and finish eating so you can try them on!"

Taking one last sip of milk, I grabbed my box and went to my room to change. The tank top and leggings fit me perfectly, allowing movement but also providing sufficient coverage, unlike my costume for yesterday's parade. Selecting two small hair clips from the two full drawers of accessories provided, I pinned my bangs up to broaden my vision and managed to tie my short hair into a makeshift bun.

I looked at the hair clip Finnick had given me that was lying on the desk. Yeah no, I'm never gonna wearing that.