THE SIREN'S SONG 𓇼 F. ODAIR

66 ~ the exam

Carolina threw herself into training for the next couple of days. She worked harder than anyone else during the drills and weapons practice. Only Katniss matched her fervor. She memorized every single lecture that was given to them on war strategies. She did everything possible to ensure she would be given a spot on the same squad Finnick was in.

The only thing during that week that kept her going, that stopped her from passing out from exhaustion, that kept her sane, was the thought of losing him again.

During training, Cressida and her film crew would walk around to get action shots of past victors to use as propos. They spent most of their time with Johanna and Katniss at the firing range, yelling different directions toward the girls to get the perfect shot.

The camera crew spent over an hour with the two women before they decided to move on. Gale and Finnick were next. Cressida got footage of them sparring with one another and solo shots of the two men training with their specialties.

Carolina kept one eye on the camera crew during the entire training session. If any of them walked in her direction, she would duck out of the way or walk to the opposite side of the room. The last thing she wanted to do was waste her time by filming the same thing over and over again.

She managed to stay away from the cameras in the morning, but as soon as lunch was over, Cressida approached her. Carolina was sure of her answer. There was absolutely no way she was letting the woman shove a camera in her face and tell her to sing.

Cressida backed off, and Carolina thought it was for good. But as she was walking out of training for the day, Carolina was met with not only a complete camera crew but also Plutarch Heavensbee himself.

"Your turn," the older man smiled.

Carolina's eyes turned to Cressida and glared. "You snitched?"

"She was ordered to," Plutarch answered for the woman. "Carolina, if you want to live in District 13–"

"I'm sorry," Carolina cut him off. "I wasn't aware I had another choice."

Plutarch sent Carolina an annoyed look but ignored her words.

"We need you to film something for us so the rest of Panem knows that you are safe, okay, and on our side," he said. "We have no airable footage of you."

"There were plenty of cameras at Fletch and Marina's wedding," Carolina said. "Surely, there is something from there that you can broadcast."

"You spent that entire night with Finnick," Plutarch sighed. "Look, people in District 13 are supportive of your relationship, but those in the districts and the Capitol who still look up to the Snow family will not see you so kindly. They'd look at you like a cheat, a liar. We need you to expose your relationship with Cyrus before you can come out with your relationship with Finnick."

Carolina moved her gaze to Finnick, who was standing by the door with his eyes focused on her. The second she looked at him, he walked over to the group with his arms crossed.

"What is going on over here?" he asked.

"Finnick, your presence isn't necessary at this time."

"Don't care," he shook his head. "What are you asking her to do?"

Plutarch huffed, but before he could speak, Carolina beat him to it.

"What about the song I sang at the wedding?" Carolina asked. "It was just me on stage, and I looked happy."

"Now is not the time to air love songs," Plutarch shook his head absolutely. "We need you to sing something inspiring. A war song."

"You already have one of those," Carolina said. "The Hanging Tree. I heard it. It's good."