Sea Salt and Roses | | Finnick Odair

Chapter 2

~Hillary~
I gathered at the bottom of the reaping stage. I stood with Finnick, Mags and Annie. Finnick looked relaxed. He thinks that I won't volunteer. That I won't get picked. But I will. This isn't just about my parents or Finnick. It's about fighting the Capitol. It's about fighting for a better future for the children, babies and their future generations. My thoughts of determination was broken by our escort, Elodrea Manti. Her hot pink hair was shiny with glitter. She pranced onto the stage and spoke with her stupid Capitol accent.
"Welcome. Welcome. Let's not waste anymore time. Gentlemen first."
She groped around the box which I knew only had Finnick's name on it. She took a slip of paper and read, "Finnick Odair!" The crowd cheered. He walked on stage like it was a honour to be reaped. Elodrea then stuck her powdery white hand into the female box and pulled out a slip.
"Annie Cresta!"
The once cheering crowd went silent. I stepped forward and yelled, "I volunteer as tribute!" Finnick yelled in protest and peacekeepers had to hold him back. A pair of peacekeepers took my arms and guided me to the stage. Elodrea looked at me in shock but said, "Why did you volunteer dear?" I looked at her then to the cameras.
"Because I know that if I lose someone I love again, I would not be able to live with myself." Elodrea wiped a tear and said, "Well, looks like we have our two victors of District 4!" The crowd did something that I would never have expected. They put their three middle fingers to their mouth, kissed it and held it out too me. My eyes widened. I bowed my head in acknowledgement as I was ushered, more like pushed off the stage. Finnick pulled my hand and led me to the waiting room and shut the door behind us. He threw his hands up in frustration and said, "Why? Why did you just commit suicide? If this is a way of entertainment for you, you're mistaken." I shook my head and said in reply, "No. I didn't do it in the name of entertainment. I must be sick to think of that. I did it to save Annie and Mags. When you stormed out after the broadcast, Annie and I had a talk. Against her will, I convinced her why. Now, I'll tell the same thing to you. It's revenge, Finnick. Revenge against the Capitol. Revenge against Snow. I swore to myself that I would avenge my parents' death." He looked at me and nodded. He pulled me into a tight embrace. We were then soon, oh so politely, escorted onto the train. I immediately went into my quarters.
I could see Finnick hesitate on following me but decided against it. I locked the door and slumped against it. I screamed and pounded the wall. I heard running footsteps and my doorknob rattling. It was Finnick who was shouting at me to open the door. I kept punching the wall. My knuckles were bloody with my own blood. The door kept rattling but with more desperation lacing his voice. I unlocked the door and Finnick ran in. He looked around the room frantically and his sea green eyes fell on my bloody knuckles. He walked slowly towards me and took my hand into his. He guided me to the bathroom without a word. He gently washed the blood of my split knuckles. He dried them and wrapped a bandage around it. He guided me to my huge bed and tucked me in. He kissed my forehead and left quietly. I stared at the projected star ceiling.
Tomorrow would be the parade. Time to show my face as the Black Rose. The beautiful yet deadly girl. Imagined and portrayed to be a gorgeous show-stopper with a gorgeous and sweet personality. With that, I closed my eyes and fell into an abyss of nightmares.
As I just dragged myself out of bed, my prep team burst through my door. Finnick didn't lock the door, did he? Vena, who had shocking orange metallic curls. Santi, who had hot pink hair which contrasted quite queerly with her olive skin. Lastly, it was Galla, who had a heavy silver and gold wig. They giggled and cooed over me. They pushed me into the bathroom and hell began.
After a few torturing hour of waxing and stripping, they circled me like predators holding tweezers, looking for escapees. They then handed me a fluffy robe and I put it on. The door opened and I saw Mona. My stylist. I breathed out in relief. She shooed them all out and crossed the room in three strides before wrapping me in a huge hug. She sat me down on a chair and she smiled at me. Mona was pretty much the closest you get to natural in the Capitol. She had blond curls which reached to her upper chest and blue eyes with gold specks in them. Pale skin contrasted well with her hourglass figure. She was very pretty.
"Hello Hillary. What a pleasure to see you again."
I smiled warmly at her and returned her greeting. We both exchanged our negative thoughts about the Games and the Capitol. Soon, we started to talk abut the outfits.
"Finnick's stylist's thinking is completely revolting."
I smirked amused. "I wonder what made his stylist so...desperate for some skin." Mona laughed and shook her head. I then asked her, "I'm not going naked am I?"
She grinned slyly at me and asked, "What do you think of sea lanterns?"