"Saleah Barnette, winner of the 72nd Hunger Games,.known as the Butterfly in the Capitol for her gentleness, and her love for the winged creatures. She won her games at 18 and then proceeded to live in both the Capitol and District 11."
"She doesn't...
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BRUISES BLOOMED UP SALEAH'S ARMS, dark and angry against her skin. She sat on the edge of her couch, staring at the black and blue spots.
She had endured quite a bit in her little time as a victor, but this? This was her last straw. The Capitol's games didn't end in the arena. They just changed form.
Two hours ago, Saleah left a client's home. This session was not like the others she'd had. It was violent and borderline abuse, she was sure.
The man had slapped her, bruised her, and worse, but she did not want to think of it again.
A knock at the door jolted her. Before she could answer, Finnick slipped in, his Capitol smile dropping the moment the door clicked shut.
"Saleah, what happened? You sounded upset when you called." He muttered, crossing the room in three strides and crouching in front of her. His green-sea eyes searched her face, then he noticed the bruises all over her body.
Before he could speak, Saleah did. "I'm leaving." She said flatly.
Finnick frowned, "Leaving? For how long? What do you mean?"
"I mean I'm done. I'm going back to eleven for good."
Finnick's face darkened, "Saleah, that's not a good idea. They'll bring you back, all the Victors are expected to be present in the Capitol during the games and events."
Saleah shook her head, "I can't do this anymore Finnick." She breathed out. She hadn't even told Finnick what had happened, he didn't know about her arrangement with Snow. He was definitely confused, Saleah could see it on his face.
"Can't do what?"
She hesitated, the words caught in her throat. She could feel his gaze piercing through her, demanding an answer. She didn't know how he'd react if she told him, how he'd think of her. He'd probably think she was disgusting.
"Leah, talk to me." He said, voice softer now.
"I can't do any of it Finnick. The parties. The fake smiles. Snow. And the-them." Her voice cracked on the last word.
Finnick frowned, his expression hardening. "What do you mean, them?"
Her throat tightened, and she shook her head. "The people they shove us at. The people they let touch me, own me. It's-" she stopped, swallowing hard.
Finnick's face went pale, and he leaned forward. "What are you talking about? What happened Leah? What's going on?"
She looked away, her silence speaking louder than words.
"Saleah, " he pressed, voice low and steady.
She hesitated before speaking in a low voice, "They've been selling me Finnick."
The color drained from his face entirely. "What?"
"I can usually handle it fine, but...this time was just-it was just different. It was too much. The guy was just mean and rough." She said bitterly, her nails digging into her palms as she stared at her bruises.
