FIRE ON FIRE ( cato hadley! )

chapter thirty-six

——☆ FIRE ON FIRE
chapter thirty-six: the performance

     THE DOOR TO LILIA'S cell shoved open, the metal hitting against the stone, echoing through the dark room. The girl flinched, her heart leaping in her chest as harsh light spilled into the cell. Two Peacekeepers stepped inside, their faces covered by their helmets.

"Get up," one of them commanded, grabbing her roughly by the arm and pulling her to her feet.

"What," Lilias voice croaked out. "What's happening?"

"You'll find out soon enough," the other spoke to her. "Move."

Lilia's body ached as she stumbled forward, her legs weak from days of starvation and confinement. She had no idea how long she'd been in that cell. Days, maybe even weeks.

As they dragged her down the narrow corridor, Lilia's mind raced with worry. She didn't know where they were taking her, but it couldn't be good.

Peeta's starved, lifeless body flashed in her mind, reminding her of the Capitol's cruelty. Her stomach sunk with fear.

After a brief walk, the Peacekeepers pushed her into a small, white room. The sudden brightness made her squint as her eyes adjusted to the fluorescent light.

A group of Capitol stylists were waiting, their eyes scanning her like she was a piece of meat they had to fix. One of them, a tall man with striking makeup and yellow hair clicked his tongue disapprovingly as he looked her over.

"She's a mess," he muttered, waving the others over. "Get these clothes off."

Before Lilia could protest, they were on her. Multiple hands pulled at her clothes, stripping away the remains of what she had been wearing. They scrubbed her skin raw, combed her tangled hair, and shoved her into a dress paired with a white fur coat.

The whole time, Lilia didn't say a word. She just let them do what they wanted, knowing that resistance was pointless.

Finally, when they were finished, one of the stylists stepped back, looking over the girl.

"She'll do," he said, with a satisfied nod.

As she looked at herself in the mirror, Lilia looked at her transformed face covered with Capitol makeup. At this point, she was all too familiar with her glamorized appearance. Her hair was styled in soft waves, and the dress was something a victor would wear, not a prisoner.

Soon after, the Peacekeepers reappeared, taking her by the arms again and leading her out. They pushed her into an elevator, and Lilia's eyes moved to the ground as it began to ascend. She had no idea where they were taking her.

When the elevator doors opened, Lilia was met with the sight of an unfamiliar room. The bright lights, the cameras, and the polished, over-the-top Capitol set. And sitting in the middle of it all, with his signature smile, was Caesar Flickerman.

Then, the realization hit her.

This was an interview.

Lilia barely registered the Peacekeepers guiding her to the chair across from Caesar, then taking their positions beside him. This wasn't just any room. This was the Capitol mansion. Where President Snow lived.

She glanced at man in front of her, his smile faltering as he reached for Lilia's hand, giving an assuring squeeze.

Lilia opened her mouth, as if to speak to him. She wanted to ask for help, to plead with him to stop this, but she couldn't. He would not be the one to save her.

"Ladies and gentlemen of Panem, we have a very special guest with us today," Caesar began, turning his attention to the camera. "You've seen her courage, her strength in the arena, but today, we meet a different side of her. Direct from the Capitol mansion, it is my honor to introduce Lilia Conway."

The camera panned over to Lilia, who flashed a small smile. Behind the camera, a series of words glowed on a small screen.

"Lilia, it's so good to see you again," Caesar spoke lightly. "After all you've been through, I'm so glad you took the time to speak with us today."

"I didn't have a choice," she thought.

Lilia forced a nod, her throat tight. She felt the weight of every eye in Panem watching her.

Caesar's eyes narrowed, his voice growing lower. "In those final moments during the Games, what was going through your mind?"

"Well, I was thinking about staying alive," Lilia answered honestly. "But I was also thinking about Finnick and Cato."

"And you had no idea about Finnick?" Caesar asked, and Lilia shook her head. "Hard to believe, don't you think? You're practically family, and yet you're telling me you didn't know he was working with the rebels?"

"No, I didn't know," she insisted.

Caesar tilted his head, studying her closely. "And Cato?"

Lilia's breath hitched at the mention of Cato. She shook her head again, trying to steady herself. "Cato and I had no idea there was a secret rebel plan going on. All we were thinking about was keeping each other alive. I trusted Finnick, and Cato trusted me."

"But he's gone now, isn't he?" Caesar pressed. "The rebels took him. It seems to me the only reason they took him was because he was secretly part of the plan."

"I don't believe that," Lilia shot back, her voice raising with frustration. "Finnick, Cato...they're not the enemy. They're good people."

Caesar's eyes gleamed. "Alright, I believe you. I know you've been through so much."

Lilia shifted uncomfortably in her chair, muttering a quiet 'thank you' to Caesar.

"Now, Lilia, we're all eager to hear your thoughts. After everything that's been going on, what do you have to say to the people of Panem?"

Lilia swallowed hard and nodded. This was where the real performance was. Her gaze fixated to the screen flashing the text and began to read.

"I would tell you to be strong, and put your trust in the Capitol. And to the rebels, if you're watching this, you need to stop," she finally said, her voice cracking under the pressure. "You need to think...before you start something you can't control."

The words were bitter on her tongue.

Caesar turned back to the camera. "There you have it, folks. Lilia Conway is here to share her message with us all. A message of peace."

Lilia's stomach grew nauseous with guilt and fear. She had done what was asked of her, but the weight of the words she'd spoken felt like a betrayal.

Sure, she had defended Finnick and Cato to the entire nation, but even that felt hollow now.

Caesar stood, signaling the end of the interview. The Peacekeepers stepped forward, their hands resting on her shoulders, ready to guide her out of the room.

But, before she could move, Caesar spoke one last time, his voice softer, but the threat unmistakable.

"Remember, Lilia, there are always consequences. For everyone."

She nodded, unable to speak.

The Peacekeepers led her away, and as she left the room, the image of Caesar's cold smile stayed with her. The girl had done what she had to do, but now, she felt worse than ever.

Lilia would have to live with what she had said, with what she had done, and the weight of it felt unbearable.

As the door closed behind her, she realized the Capitol wasn't just trying to break the rebellion. They were trying to break her, too.