Siren Song ~ Finnick Odair x oc

2...the Train Ride

As I step out of the building and make my way toward the train, I'm struck by its magnificence.

It's something unlike anything I've ever encountered. The train, crafted from gleaming polished silver, reflects the sunlight, transforming it into a stunning marvel that sharply contrasts with the drab, coal-stained environment of my home in District 12.

This magnificent train stretches out before me like a symbol of luxury and advancement, a grand vehicle that not only embodies the Capitol's wealth but also signifies a world completely detached from the bleak existence I've always known. Effie strides ahead, her heels clicking rhythmically on the cobblestones, echoing like a ticking clock as it counts down to a future that feels both thrilling and intimidating.

Next to me stands a Peacekeeper, their face a stern, emotionless mask, a constant reminder of the underlying power dynamics. Effie glances back at me, noticing the look of wonder on my face. A smirk forms on her lips, amusement glinting in her eyes. "Impressive, isn't it?" she chirps, her tone laced with a playful condescension as she gestures toward the train.

"You've likely never seen anything of this calibre before, have you?" My heart races as I continue to admire this engineering marvel, my gaze wide with astonishment. I can barely whisper, "Definitely a first for me..." as I'm guided toward the doors, their sleek design appealing and inviting. When we reach the entrance, the doors glide open effortlessly, unveiling an interior that exceeds my wildest dreams.

Inside, plush chairs invite me to relax, while an elegantly set table and a small kitchen area hint at the gourmet meals being prepared for our journey. The dining room table is a lavish spread of food, bursting with an astonishing variety of delicacies that overflow in abundance, leaving me in disbelief.

"Welcome to the Capitol train," Effie Trinket announces, sweeping her arm in a grand, theatrical gesture of invitation. "Please, step aboard," she encourages, her eyes sparkling with excitement. As I take my first step into the train, I feel the weight of my past fade away, crossing into a realm of deception.

Upon boarding, my wide-eyed gaze absorbs the surroundings, completely mesmerized by the extravagant luxury enveloping me. The train is nothing short of opulent, an almost otherworldly contrast to the humble miners' homes I've known all my life. As I venture deeper inside, the soft lighting bathes the polished surfaces in warmth, and every detail—from the tastefully upholstered chairs to the elaborate fixtures—seems to call out to me, promising comfort and indulgence.

Cove, who accompanies me, casually gestures toward the plush chairs encircling a beautifully arranged table, the fabric feeling luxurious against my skin. As I sit down, I catch Cove watching me from across the table, his gaze probing as if he, too, is trying to comprehend this bewildering shift from our harsh reality to this extravagant palace on wheels.

His build sharply contrasts with my own gaunt frame; he is noticeably larger and more muscular, his stern demeanour hinting at a youthful innocence shadowed by the brutality of our surroundings. I scan his features, attempting to uncover the secrets written in his expressions when the sharp click of Effie's heels breaks my concentration.

Accompanying the sound are heavier, unsteady footsteps, drawing my gaze to the doorway as Effie enters, impeccably styled yet clearly fatigued from the day's struggles.

She takes her place at the head of the table, exuding authority despite the exhaustion lingering in her eyes, while Haymitch lurches in behind her, a substantial figure weighed down not just by his size but by his choices—he drops into the seat across from me with a careless ease that reveals his inebriation.

Effie's presence restores a sense of order even as Haymitch's relaxed demeanour disrupts it; she clears her throat and adopts a more serious tone, addressing both Cove and me directly.