❝FIRE ON FIRE WOULD NORMALLY
KILL US, BUT THIS MUCH DESIRE,
TOGETHER WE'RE WINNERS❞
in which a girl from district 4
meets a boy from district 2
during the 74th annual
hunger games.
[the hunge...
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LILIA CONWAY AND Adrien Reed were led out of the dressing room, down a series of hallways, and finally into the main area where all the tributes gathered before the parade. The atmosphere was alive, filled with excitement. Lilia glanced around, catching glimpses of the other tributes in their extravagant costumes themed to their district.
Even among all the dazzling outfits, she felt the weight of hundreds of eyes on her and Adrian. Taking a deep breath, she looked down and adjusted the dress that had been designed to represent District 4.
"Come on, Lilia," Adrian called to her, pointing to the chariot up ahead.
"I'm right behind you," Lilia replied.
As she followed Adrian, the space around her grew tighter as the designers, mentors, and other tributes made their way to their chariots. Trying to make her way through the crowd, she let out a gasp as she accidentally bumped into someone.
The impact made her stumble backward slightly, and she looked up, shocked by who she saw.
It was the boy from District 2 — Cato Hadley. She recognized him from their brief encounter in the elevator earlier that day, though they hadn't exchanged a word. Now, up close, his presence was even more intimidating. He was dressed in a gold outfit that seemed to display wealth and power.
After the impact, Cato's eyes immediately locked onto hers. He looked as if he was about to say something, but then hesitated. Instead, he her up and down, his eyes lingering on the dress that hugged her figure.
"Watch where you're going," Cato finally spoke.
Lilia met his gaze, trying to keep her expression calm as she replied, "Sorry, I didn't see you."
Their eyes locked, and for a moment, the atmosphere went quiet.
Then, after what felt like forever, Cato finally broke the silence. "No harm done."
Lilia watched as Cato Hadley moved toward his chariot without another word, his broad shoulders pushing through the crowd with ease. At his departure, Lilia let out a sigh of relief.
"Lilia!" Adrian Reed shouted.
Across the room, at their chariot, Adrian Reed stood with Finnick Odair and Annie Cresta, who were both dressed in elegant clothing as well.
"I'm coming!" Lilia replied, racing toward the group.
"There you are," Finnick spoke, watching as she slowed to a stop before them. "As beautiful as ever."
Lilia smiled at Finnick's compliment, feeling a wave of relief rush over her. She'd been so focused on her encounter with Cato, she hadn't realized how tense she was until Finnick's familiar voice pulled her back to reality.
