CHARADE | Glimmer (THG)

Chapter Fourteen

Trigger warnings: Panic attacks, Self-hatred

For a moment, all I can do is stare at Gwen in shock.

"What?" I whisper, "What happened?"

"They found traces of poison in her drink." She can't seem to look at me, "She died during the party last night."

"The party?" I repeat.

"It's truly awful...but yes." She turns towards me now and offers me a grim smile, "Everyone is going to be questioned, dear. Everyone who had an invitation. That includes us."

"Oh Gwen," I take her hand, and she stiffens slightly, "You won't get into trouble for taking me along, will you?"

"No dear," She smiles tightly, "Only if you...did something wrong."

The doors to the Dining Room swing open and whip round, expecting a Capitol guard. But it's Cashmere. She walks nonchalantly, dressed in a purple shirt and jeans, but her eyes are focussed on me as she draws out the chair opposite me. Gwen releases my hand and busies herself in slurping her drink.

"Talk me through what you're going to do for the Gamemakers," Cashmere says, as she pours herself a coffee.

I blink and try and push all thoughts of my imminent interrogation and death out of my head. "I'll shoot as accurately and as quickly as I can."

Cashmere nods, "Try different distances too. And, first impressions count too. From the moment you in, greet them with a smile. Be charming." I nod as Cashmere continues to rattle off advice. I can feel Gwen's eyes on me all through the rest of the meal, even after Marvel and Gloss materialise.

It's almost a relief when Marvel and I are instructed to head down to the ground floor of the Training Centre for our private sessions. We rise the lift in silence. His fingers drum on his tracksuit, whilst mine goes to the hairpin in my pocket. I can feel the grey fog descending on me again.

I've failed my family. In killing Snow's daughter instead of the man himself, I've only made things worse. Uncle Agate won't be avenged. None of us will be. Moonshine would have done it right. He would have found President Snow personally, slit his throat, and made sure he was dead...

I wonder what they'll do to me. It won't take long for them to remember my tribute token, to know that the poison is mine. Gwen likely suspects and she'll tell them everything.

I hope it's painless. And if not, I hope they spare, Ma, Aunt Aurora, Grandma...

"It's alright," Marvel says. His brow is furrowed, looking at me with concern, "We're going to crush this."

I relax my clenched fists and straighten my shoulders, "Like I need reminding," I scoff.

He smiles slightly and the elevator doors slide open. He walks confidently to where the other tributes are sitting, whilst I follow a few steps behind. As I pass a stairwell, an arm reaches out and grabs me, pulling me towards it.

I immediately begin to twist their arm and ready myself to attack, but stop when I see who it is, "Finch, what-"

"Where's the poison?" She hisses, green eyes frantic.

"What?"

"The poison you used last night, you idiot! Where is it?"

"How did-"

"Just give it to me," She holds out her hand, "Before they catch you!"

Wordlessly, I reach into my pocket for my hairpin. Her eyes widen as I pull it out and carefully unscrew the empty poison vial. She grabs it with a cloth and wipes it before tucking it into her own pocket.