𝔞𝔪𝔭𝔥𝔦𝔱𝔯𝔦𝔱𝔢 ✩ 𝔣𝔦𝔫𝔫𝔦𝔠𝔨 𝔬𝔡𝔞𝔦𝔯

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CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR

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Tarquinia had been the one of whom had discovered her and Haymitch, crying together on the floor of Twelve's penthouse quarters and her tremendous outrage at the state of Odelya after Haymitch's attack was nearly enough to reunite him with his little girl.

Odelya and Tarquinia managed to aid Haymitch in getting to his bed to sleep off all the alcohol he had consumed during such a short period of time before hastily returning the Siren to the medical facility to have her head mended before the nights celebrations of the now finished Hunger Games.

Such medicine of which was used had never even been dreamt of back in the District's but how desperately they could use them, especially for the injuries sustained upon falling from the docks in Four.

So as if a liquor bottle had never been broken by her skull, Odelya was healed and Tarquinia's greatest concern, that her hair would be matted with blood for the closing ceremonies was quickly dismissed after a shower which covered Odelya with floral scents.

Odelya's avoidance of Finnick since their argument was brought to a halt as him and Mags were to prep her on what to say during her final appearance before her return home and due to the celebrations featuring a programme of highlights from that years Games, Odelya would need be reminded of the explicit manner of which they would display the deaths of her fellow tributes.

So as Odelya's mentors convened in the shared quarters to discuss strategy, the air was filled with awkward tension between the two friends. Despite this, Finnick could not refrain from displaying his affections towards her as he kissed his hand a placed it on her shoulder as he entered the room. Odelya did not see this, however, merely thinking that he was trying to ease the tension and make the situation more comfortable for her in this difficult time by reminding her that he was always there.

"Personally, I think that Dely should remain stoic during her interview, play into the Siren persona. If she allows herself to be vulnerable, especially regarding certain tributes' deaths, then she will become an easy target for criticism," Finnick spoke rather calmly for someone who had not slept properly in weeks, he had dark circles under his eyes and his cheeks were stained red from tears which had been shed for his mermaid.

"I can't watch them die again," Odelya murmured, stealing the attention away from Finnick as he laid out his strategy.

"Oh sweetheart," Tarquinia wrapped a comforting arm around Odelya's shoulders as the latter made eye contact with Finnick, and despite their argument she suddenly started wishing that it was he of whom was comforting her rather than their Capitol escort. "If we can just get you through tonight, we can then get you home safely and you won't have to worry about any of this until the Victory Tour."

"I just want to go home," Odelya spoke quietly, at this point she figured that tears would never cease to stop welling in her eyes, "I want to see my brother."

"Reign is waiting for you," Finnick said, "And soon we'll be home again and never have to go into the arena again."

"Please don't make me go," Odelya cried, "Finn, please."

As Odelya sat adjacent to him, crying on Tarquina's shoulder, Finnick seemingly forgot that there were others present in the room, for he stood quickly and made his way over to her, cradling her face in his hands as Blaise had prior to his untimely demise. Began did he to whisper words of encouragement and affection to her and for Odelya she forgot their previous strife and all in the world once again revolved around the sun.

"I'll make sure nothing bad ever happens to you again, my mermaid. I promise. I won't ever leave you alone here again."

And she believed him. Oh, how foolish of her.

Once Odelya had been calmed by Finnick, Tarquinia whisked her away back into her bedroom where her prep team awaited to ready her for her final performance before the train ride back to Four. Andromeda, Livia and Cyprus giggled away at some Capitol gossip which Odelya truly could not care less about yet she had to pretend to be somewhat interested in order to not offend them.

Seemingly hours later, some magic had metamorphosed Odelya into some out of worldly creature, with pearls decorating her exposed skin. A silken gown was embellished with seashells found on the shores of her District home, because Selene wanted to bring her some comfort, as such she was permitted to wear her sisters bracelet, which had been her token during the Games. Odelya was aware that Melody must have been watching over her, otherwise she surely would have lost the beloved piece of jewellery.

So as she was escorted down to the stage where she would sit with Caesar Flickerman and discuss her trauma in the manner of which it were just another spectacle, Odelya's head swivelled for any sign of the sunshine, however the moon covered it and Finnick was nowhere to be seen.

"Where's Finnick?" Odelya asked Tarquinia nervously, he had promised that they would do this together, it was all that was truly holding her together at this moment.

"He had an appointment, my sweetheart," Tarquinia spoke softly, "He'll be here later."

Finnick had promised not to leave her alone yet it was all a terrible lie.

"Tell him not to bother," Odelya remained stoic, as she was instructed to, "I wouldn't want to inconvenience him. I'll see him on the train tomorrow, if he's not too busy."

With that, Odelya once again stepped into the spotlight with any fleeting return sunshine now replaced was a void of nighttime darkness.

Finnick's mermaid had been slaughtered in the Games. All that remained was a Siren belonging to President Snow, with no hope left in her emotionless heart.

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Any hope of Odelya and Finnick making up any time soon is gone. If only she knew the truth then she wouldn't be so mad. I get my GCSE results on Thursday so pray for me.

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