That Fine Line

Chapter 12 - Anxiety

The good thing about private sessions with the Gamemakers is that what tributes do in there is confidential, so no one knows what exactly your full potential is. Despite my practice sparring match with Finnick yesterday with weaponry, I decided not to pick up a knife for my evaluation. Instead, I demonstrated my self-defense skills in a hand-to-hand combat duel with one of the trainers.

It was nice to be one of the first tributes to get my private session over with. I couldn't imagine being from the last few Districts; the nervousness would kill me. However, going early meant waiting longer, so in a similar way, the dreadful score was still making me anxious.

I tried convincing myself that it didn't matter in the end because my main goal was dealing with Finnick in that arena, but the suspense on my score still lingered on my mind. I knew I wasn't going to score high, as I didn't use any weaponry and my fighting prowress was only mediocre, but I didn't want to be seen as an easy target to be picked off first.

"Don't worry about your score."

I looked behind me at Finnick, who was currently lounging on the white couch. "How can I not?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "It doesn't really matter. I'll protect you anyway and share whatever I get from my sponsors."

I scoffed. For one, he was recklessly confident in his ability to entice sponsors, though he probably could prove himself right. Second, I just couldn't believe he had the audacity to claim wanting to preserve my life when he'd already ruined it years ago. And third, something fluttered in my stomach upon hearing his promise.

The television flicked itself on. Finally, it was time. My anxiety would be relieved.

Dan pranced into the living room in his usual lively manner and plopped himself on the couch next to Finnick. "It's on! I can't wait to see how well you two've done!"

The announcement of the first three districts seemed to take forever, but the screen did eventually reach us.

"Our female from District Four, Y/N L/N... a solid five, and Finnick Odair... an eleven, to nobody's surprise!"

Not even half of his score.

"Hey, that's not too bad." Empty words of encouragement that failed to obscure Dan's disappointment in me.

We watched the rest of the broadcast in silence, except when it had gotten to District Twelve's tributes, whom both had received a perfect score of twelve. Dan was completely blown away, while a crossed look appeared on Finnick's face as he got up off the couch. At first, I thought it had been jealousy towards the two's higher scores.

Then he came up to me and said under his breath, "The Gamemakers did it on purpose. They're putting a target on both Katniss and Peetas' backs. All the more reason they're going to need our help."

I barely processed what he had said just now as the memories of my dream from last night were flashed across my mind. He looked even more perfect in real life. What I'd conjured up from memory was only a blur compared to what was in front of me. Especially his eyes. Oh, those long lashes I envied so much. And those beautiful multicolored irises. I was drowning in those twin oceans.

Right when he seemed to pick up on the trance I was in, the doorbell rang. I immediately recognized the light pink hair as Belle barged into the room.

"Ooh goody! Your interview outfits are here!" Dan sang gleefully.