THE SIREN'S SONG 𓇼 F. ODAIR

74 ~ the new beginning

After spending a day talking, or rather yelling, at anyone she could, moving through Paylor's newly ranked officials one by one, Carolina found someone to give up where Katniss was being held. It was Plutarch who conceded at the end, and he told her with ease as if he knew exactly what Carolina had planned. Perhaps, he did.

Guards were surrounding the Training Center when Carolina arrived. The guards were from District 13, so their faces were apparent, unlike the covered ones of the Capitol Peacekeepers. Carolina could see every emotion they carried. Most were bland and professional, while others looked at her with pity. She was alone and wearing simple clothes—completely unsuspecting—but they still recognized her.

How could they not?

Carolina couldn't help but wonder if the Peacekeepers had looked at her like that all those years. Some were brainwashed with horrific beliefs, but still, did any of them have an ounce of empathy, real empathy?

The guards parted for her after a simple look, and Carolina just nodded at them and walked past. She didn't know a single reason behind their action. Maybe they thought she was there under Payor's orders, or maybe she was just going back to the District 4 apartment to collect some forgotten items. Maybe something else entirely.

Carolina didn't like being back in the Training Center. She didn't like the memories it held, from her last nights before going into the 68th Hunger Games, the drunken nights she had spent there with Cyrus, and the last night out she ever had with Cashmere and Gloss. 

The former used to be a good memory, but as of late, it had become bittersweet. She couldn't think of anything that happened before the quell that wasn't bittersweet.

The Training Center that she had grown used to, the one flooded with stylists and mentors and tributes and victors and Capitol fans who wanted to catch a glimpse of it all, was dead. The halls were hollow and dull, the only sound coming from Carolina's footsteps.

More guards were waiting when Carolina got to the 12th floor. Only two, one on each side of the door to the penthouse. They looked far older and more serious compared to the men positioned out front. Though, that didn't stop the shock from appearing on their faces at the sight of Carolina.

"No unauthorized personnel is permitted up here," the one on the left spoke.

"Well," Carolina started, thinking for a moment. "I am authorized. Plutarch Heavensbee sent me."

"Without any notice?" the other guard asked.

"He probably forgot," Carolina shrugged. "He is very busy as one of the star witnesses in Everdeen's trial."

The first guard didn't seem to buy her words, asking, "And what exactly did he send you here to do?"

"He wants someone to talk to Everdeen about the trial," she said.

"Her punishment is solitary confinement. Sending someone in would defeat the purpose."

"Which is why he sent me and not Haymitch," Carolina said. "Honestly, this might be more of a punishment for her than helpful for Plutarch."

At her words, the two guards exchanged a look and sighed. The one on the left took a step forward and opened the door, motioning for Carolina to walk inside as she did so.

"You have five minutes," he said.

"Twenty," Carolina said.

"Five."

"Okay, then."

Carolina walked inside, and the door closed behind her seconds later. Her steps were slow and hesitant as she looked around the apartment. She found Katniss eventually, lying on the bed in one of the rooms and facing the ceiling, singing a soft tune.