CROSSFIRE [f. odiar]

chapter five

On a different train, a few Districts over, heading down the same path...

"Garnett Merlano and Ariadne Stone, District 9." Haymitch's announces as the TV cuts to two young, grim Victors standing at the head of a stage on what Katniss could easily recognize as Reaping Day. The guy was tall, with large shoulders and a clenched jaw staring ahead, hands clenching into fists and then releasing. The girl looked stuck on the edge between devastation and urgency, her head turning rapidly as she searched the crowd for someone that Katniss could not see.

"He's an oddball, can be borderline childish during interviews but somehow dominates in strength. He is no Career, but he's surprising coming from 9." Haymitch's explained as Peeta and Katniss watch his face on the screen, fresh out of the Arena and bounding over to a young woman who was obviously his wife.

Katniss ranked him in her head, setting him in the middle of the pack - not to be underestimated, but a more run-with-the-crowd player.

"She, on the other hand, is much more confusing." Haymitch started, watching the screen."Went into her Games with half of Panem not even knowing her name, yet was the star of her Arena. Gamemakers went crazy with her, seeing as she somehow outsmarted half of their creations."

"So dangerous, you're saying?" Peeta asked, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees.

"Yes, definitely. But not the same kind of dangerous as a Career is. She is smarter, somehow finding a way to outlast rather than killing. She is one of the most loyal people you will ever meet, damn well doesn't deserve to be in this hell-hole." Haymitch replied, a smile growing on his face as the TV cut back to the recent Reaping Day in 9. "Ah, there she is."

Katniss scrunched her eyebrows in confusion as she watched the screen, just as Ariadne finally locked eyes with whoever it was she was searching for. The camera cuts to a young girl in the crowd and Katniss lets in a sharp intake of breath.

"Rosie Stone, her younger sister and only family. Probably the sole reason why Araidne is as caring as she is. Had half of the nation 'awe'ing through their TV screens." Haymitch smiles at the screen one more time as it cut back to Ariadne.

"Just a quick bit of advice," Haymitch said, turning to look at the two Victors sitting on the couch in front of him. "Either be sure that you are her ally, or get the hell out of there. She could tear you apart."

Katniss nods curtly, her eyes still focused on the screen as the Victor stares out at her sister until a Peacekeeper grabs her and breaks their eye contact. It was almost painful for the girl to watch, imagining Prim's face in place of Rosie's was almost too easy to do.

She had to tear her gaze away from the screen, sharing a quick look with Peeta before Haymitch moves onto the next tributes.

▪️

For Ariadne, everything leading up to the Tribute parade was a blur.

They had been rushed from the train to Tribute Centre, where everything seemed to be double the size and twice as shiny as the last Games. The food was piled into mountains, each much more colorful and scented than anything she had ever seen back home. Her room looked the same as her last one had, bring a bad taste into the back of her mouth that she couldn't shrug off.