LOVELY

~ 1.5 ~

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'Said some things last night in the heat of the moment.
You always forgive.
How could I forget.'
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"There it is!" Paloma squealed when the Capitol came into view an hour later.

Strolling up to the window, Marvel stood next to Paloma, gawking at the lavish sight of the Capitol. Remaining seated, Indiana couldn't help but roll her eyes at Paloma; a woman who lived in the Capitol. Due to her aunt and uncle being Victors, Indie had been to the Capitol countless times. When they had to visit the Capitol on Victor or Mentor business, Indiana was dragged along with them.

As a result, she had become rather close with other Victors, such as Finnick and Johanna. Everyone doted on her as they had watched her grow and she had been officially branded 'The Capitol's Sweetheart.'

Indiana used to enjoy visiting the Capitol and seeing how different their culture was compared to the culture of District One. However, considering the circumstances of the visit, Indiana wasn't jumping for joy at the prospect of spending time in the Capitol.

"Alright, you two, remember to smile and wave. Act like it's an honour to be here." Gloss informed his two tributes, instantly switching into Mentor mode.

"Honoured? We're expected to be honoured?! They're going to pamper us to be slaughtered. All they want to see from us is our death! So long as we make a good show of it!" Indiana scoffed in disgust.

"Indie, don't." Cashmere said sharply, refusing to meet her niece's eyes. Since Indiana had gotten on the train, neither her aunt or uncle would look at her. "None of us have much of a choice in this. Believe me when I say that neither of us want you to go through this but considering you have to, Gloss and I are going to make damn sure we can get one of you through it."

"Exactly. One of us. Make sure it's Marvel."

Storming off the train, Indiana was greeted with the frenzied screams of a cheering crowd. Quickly catching up with the shorter girl, Marvel slipped his hand in hers as they walked to the Tribute's Building - their home for the last week of their life.

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"You did wonderfully. Everybody loved you." Paloma simpered as she led the two tributes into a sterile, white room. "I'm going to track down your stylists whilst you two wait here until you're called. They're just going to clean you up a bit."

Paloma dashed out of the room leaving the two best friends alone, both stood on opposite sides of the room and neither looking at the other.

"Did you really mean what you said on the train?" Marvel said bluntly, breaking the uncomfortable silence that had settled on them.

"W-what?" Indiana stuttered, taken aback.

"About making sure I'm the one that comes out of the arena."

"Of course I did. I can make arrangements with the other mentors and convince them to get you more sponsors. I don't know what I'd do without you, I wouldn't be able to live without my best friend at my side."

"And you think I can?!" Marvel bellowed, causing Indiana to flinch as his voice echoed throughout the room. "Are you really that blind? Do you honestly think I could carry around the guilt of knowing you died and I lived. You had no right to do that! No right to already leave me.." Marvel trailed off, pulling his best friend in for a hug when words failed him.

"I'm sorry." Indiana mumbled into his chest.

"Indie, there's something I need to tell you before everything gets hectic and we don't have a minute alone." Marvel pulled away and looked into her sky blue eyes.

"Of course, Marvel. You can tell me anything."

"I-"

"We're ready for you now," a voice interrupted before Marvel could make his declaration.

Adorned in white suits and extreme makeup, a man and woman stood in the doorway, staring at the two tributes. Marvel shook his head at himself before walking over to the man as instructed. Casting one last look at Indiana, regret shining in his eyes, he sighed before disappearing behind a hidden door

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'And I'm tryin'
Not to push you too much
Yeah I'm tryin'
But it's not good enough.'
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