Satan and St. Paul (Hunger Games OC x OC)

7.

As the night wore on, the tributes were finally allowed to retire to their quarters. The interview had left Maggie both drained and strangely exhilarated, a combination of relief that it was over and the realization that she had done better than she had imagined possible. She and Boaz walked in silence, the buzz of the Capitol's excitement still echoing faintly in the distance.

When they reached their quarters, Cane was waiting for them. His expression was as stern as ever, but there was a glimmer of approval in his eyes.

"Good work, both of you," Cane said, his tone gruff but sincere. "You managed to show the Capitol what they wanted to see—a strong pair with the right balance of strength and heart. That'll go a long way in earning you sponsors."

Maggie felt a flicker of pride at Cane's words. She had been so worried about letting everyone down, but now she realized that she had held her own. And Boaz had been there to support her, just as he had promised.

Cane gestured for them to sit down. "We need to discuss strategy," he said. "The interviews are just the beginning. The real test starts tomorrow when you enter the arena. You've made a good impression, but now you need to back it up with action."

Boaz nodded, his expression serious. "What's the plan?"

Cane leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as he spoke. "The arena is a death trap, but it's also full of opportunities if you know how to use them. You've got to stay alert, be smart, and most importantly, stick together. Maggie, your best chance is to stay close to Boaz. He's your shield in there. Boaz, your job is to keep her alive." 

Maggie glanced at Boaz, her heart pounding. The weight of the situation was pressing down on her, the reality of what they were about to face sinking in. The arena was a place of nightmares, and she knew she wasn't ready for what awaited them. Also knowing that not even her own mentor believed in her hurt, Would she even make it through the first night?

Cane continued, his voice taking on a steely edge. "There will be traps, mutts, and other tributes waiting to take you down. Don't hesitate to defend yourselves. Boaz, you're strong—use that to your advantage. Maggie, you've got a way of reading people. Trust your instincts, and use that to navigate the alliances and betrayals that will happen in the arena."

Maggie nodded, trying to absorb Cane's advice. She knew that survival meant doing things she had never imagined herself capable of, but she was determined to make it through. She didn't want to let Boaz down, and she didn't want to die without a fight...she wouldn't.

As the conversation turned to specifics—supplies, weapons, and possible strategies—Maggie found herself growing more focused. The fear was still there, gnawing at the edges of her mind, but it was tempered by a resolve that had been growing inside her since the moment her name had been called at the Reaping.

After the meeting, Cane dismissed them, telling them to get some rest. Maggie knew that sleep would be hard to come by with the looming prospect of the arena, but she also knew she needed to be as rested as possible.

As she walked back to her room, Boaz fell into step beside her. For a while, neither of them spoke, the weight of what lay ahead hanging heavy in the air.

Finally, Boaz broke the silence. "You did well today, Maggie." He praises her, running a comforting hand through her hair.

She looked up at him, surprised by the warmth in his voice and the gesture. "I was so scared," she admits, tears brimming her eyes.

Boaz nodded, his gaze softening. "I know. But you didn't let it stop you. That takes strength, too."

Maggie bit her lip, trying to keep her emotions in check. "I'm just scared I'll mess up in the arena. I don't want to be a burden." she says through emotion, "I'm not strong like you." She finishes.