Splintered

Chapter One: The Ghosts That We Knew Made Us Black and Blue

A warm summer wind licked along the bare skin of Hazel's forearms and face as laughter bubbled around her, coating her confused and sensitive nerves. A piercing shriek jolted her, and she sprung to her feet. Her head spun in dizzying circles that encouraged a wave of nausea to flow through her. Her balance was off, and her footing was unstable. She swayed and wobbled severely, reaching out her arms to find balance.

Cool liquid sloshed onto her hand from seemingly nowhere. As she peered down, a wine glass rested in her left palm, sparkling with a vivid blue beverage. The color was wholly artificial yet eye-catching. She frowned at the outlandish concoction. She didn't drink and definitely didn't drink anything that blue.

Her gaze then moved from the wine glass to her hand. The skin was soft and peachy, unmarred. Even more strange was the luxurious jewelry. White gold rings with a variety of colorful gems littered every finger. Even her pinky was wrapped in a delicate ring with a deep cobalt bloom that curled gracefully over the digit. A larger one ensnared her ring finger. In the center was a flawless, twinkling clear diamond encircled with snow-white roses crafted from minuscule gems. Blue and white jewels branched out from the center, molding themselves around her skin. What?

A full-body shiver shook her, making the material of her clothing slide over her skin as it loosely flowed against her legs in waves. Her gaze moved from her hands to the rest of her as she inspected herself. It was like looking at a stranger. She was clad in an indigo dress that sparkled and caressed her skin. Something about it echoed with familiarity. It was so similar to the deep navy rose that was currently wilting at the bottom of her bedroom trash can. Where am I?

Another scream sent a blinding chill through her, and she whirled round, spilling more of the wine, if that was even what it was, onto her crystal white heels. The air filled with a sickly sweet scent.

The murmuring of a crowd filtered into her consciousness. She was in a swarm of luxurious-looking people. They were all eating, drinking, and laughing at some kind of outdoor party. Long red cloth-covered banquet tables of food and drinks were set up with a spiderweb of glittering lights strung up above them, more numerous than the stars in the sky. Avoxes skittered between rows of chairs, pouring more neon-colored drinks and passing around trays of various foods in all kinds of shapes and colors. Foreign yet mouthwatering smells assaulted her nostrils.

"Easy." A deep voice was at her ear, warm breath flowing over the skin of her neck. She jerked again, sending wine sloshing. A spike of recognition surged through her bloodstream.

Her attention locked onto the source of the voice. Blue eyes. Just a few shades lighter than her dress. Slicked back white-blond hair, not a strand out of place. A charming, brilliant smile stretched over his lips.

"Senator?"

Coriolanus Snow's eyes crinkled as he stepped closer, resting an elegant finger against the teetering glass, stabilizing it. "A bit formal, isn't it?" His eyes glittered in the garden lights as he contemplated her. His sharp features were both relaxed and yet questioning. "I thought I told you to call me Coriolanus."

"When did you tell me that?" Hazel scowled at him. She had never referred to him as anything but Senator or Snow, even in her thoughts.

Snow tilted his head at the azure wine, "Have you eaten anything with that?"

"Where are we? What are you doing here?" She spun around, looking at the unfamiliar, decorated faces, "What am I doing here?"

Snow softly chuckled, "You've definitely had enough."

A roaring cheer burst from the people around her, and Hazel lurched backward again. The spectators raised their hands and pumped their fists, all consumed by the spectacle on the screen. Cool fingers suddenly slid over hers. She nearly dropped the glass as Snow eased it from her grasp. "I knew you were a lightweight, but truly, I underestimated how much of one."