𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑾𝒉𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝑳𝒐𝒕𝒖𝒔; 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒐𝒅𝒂𝒊𝒓

𝑴𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒂

Lilith doesn't know how long she's been tied to this chair. It's dark and cold in the room she's in. Her wrists are tied together behind the back of the chair, and her feet are tied to the chair legs. The rope is wrapped so tightly, it's begun digging into her skin.

She remembers the Quarter Quell arena being destroyed. She remembers that the rebels left her in there. Everything went wrong that day. She's been sitting in silence and darkness since she got taken into the Capitol's custody. There's nothing to do but think. It drives her mad.

She doesn't know who else was left behind, if anyone else was left. But, she knows she's alone. There are others here, just very far away from her. Occasionally, she hears painful, gut-wrenching screams. She can't help but imagine it belonging to Johanna or Finnick, and how they must be just as scared as she is.

She's come to some conclusions in her time here. Number one, the only one who ever truly cared about her was Silas. But, now he's gone, and he's never coming back. She wishes Silas had a different ending. She wishes he didn't have to die in the arena. Number two, siding with the rebellion and choosing to protect Katniss was a mistake. Maybe Silas would still be alive is they hadn't chosen to join the alliance. But, the conclusion that she believes now more than ever, this is all Katniss's fault.

Lilith knows she promised to make sure Silas's death was not in vain, and she did. She protected Katniss up until the arena was destroyed. And if Katniss was going to be the face of the rebellion, there's no way they left her behind. Lilith's job is done. Katniss is safe. But now, Lilith wants nothing more than to make her pay for all of the pain and havoc she's caused.

But, until she can even begin to plan that, she's stuck here. An old version of Lilith would've tried to find a way to get out, a way to escape this horrible place. But, that Lilith is gone. She's been sucked dry by the Capitol and the Games. Now, all that's left of her is her tired frame. Same shell, different insides. She has no fight left in her.

Lilith is terrified of what they have planned for her. She wishes they would just get on with it instead of dragging it out. But, in the meantime, Lilith dreams of what it would be like to get out of here. Live the life that Finnick promised her. She dreams of living in District Four with Finnick. Their house on the beach. All of it. She dreams of happiness. But every time she wakes up, she's reminded that they're just dreams. They will never happen.

One day, when Lilith is slumped over in her chair, exhausted, a guard actually comes to her cell. She tiredly lifts her head up as she hears the jingle of the keys. She assumes they are here to take her to her punishment after making her wait for so long. But, no guard comes in. Instead, a little girl gets shoved through the door.

Lilith watches as the little girl falls to the ground from the shove. She looks so scared as she scrambles away from the door.

"What is this place? They wouldn't tell me," The little girl frantically says.

"A prison," Lilith states bitterly. Her voice is hoarse and raspy from lack of use.

The little girl sees that Lilith is tied to a chair, and she immediately moves to her. "Oh my, what happened to you?"

"Nothing yet," Lilith answers. The little girl begins tugging on the ropes at bind her wrists. "I'm still waiting."

"I'll help you," The little girl says. She unties the knots and frees Lilith's hands. Lilith brings her hands forward, touching her tender wrists. The little girl releases the rope that holds her legs still and looks at Lilith. "That's better."

"Why are you here?" Lilith suddenly asks.

"I don't know. First, I'm with my family, and next thing I know they're gone and I'm being thrown in here," The little girl says.

"You just look so young. What's your name?" Lilith gets off of her chair and sits on the floor next to the little girl. It feels nice sitting in a different position for once.

"I'm Melinda," She answers.

Lilith takes in what she can about Melinda. The poor and almost nonexistent lighting makes it hard to see what she looks like, but Melinda seems to be a very young girl with puffy, blonde hair. "That's a pretty name."

"Thank you," Melinda smiles. "What's your name?"

"Lilith."

Melinda smiles softly. "That's beautiful."

"Thank you," Lilith answers. "When did you last see your family?"

"I don't remember how long ago it was. I just know that we got separated and then those soldiers found me," Melinda explains.

"I wonder why they brought you here. To this specific cell," Lilith wonders out loud.

"Maybe the others were full?" Melinda suggests.

"I doubt it. I haven't seen another person in a really long time. There has to be another reason," Lilith continues to try and figure out why they brought Melinda here.

"Well, whatever it is, I'm glad I don't have to be here alone," Melinda says.

"Yeah. Me too," Lilith smiles.