nightmare + f. odair✔

07

OCTAVIA FELT EMPTY. Her stomach growled, but not from hunger. It was an odd feeling, an annoying one. Almost tedious.

Veah squeezed her shoulder as she tied up the half up-half down braid she'd done, attempting to reassure her.

"Close your eyes," she mumbled, something Veah always told her before she zipped up the dress she was to wear.

The dress felt soft as Veah pulled it up Octavia's body. She had to hold back the temptation of opening her eyes, as she could already tell this would be an evening to remember.

"Open," Veah demanded, and so she did. Standing in front of the full length mirror, Octavia let out a chortle of surprise.

The dress was just as, maybe more, beautiful than the last. Its color was the more mature rather than playful like the last. It was a mermaid style, her chest and stomach having minimum gold embroidery, before a shimmering gold covered the rest of her body.

Veah smiled at her, before adding the last touch to her accessories. Her token- the necklace, a shimmering gold crown that clipped into her hair, and a pair of plain black heels that matched her makeup.

"And, we can't forget the sparkles," Veah took a angled brush, and brushed it along her cheekbones and hairline. Her signature piece.

"Stay gold, Octavia. Don't let them intimidate you," Veah waved, walking out of the room and to god knows where.

Octavia let out a breath, closing her eyes tightly before walking out a separate entrance to where everyone awaited their interviews.

Hahna's interview had just begun when Octavia reached backstage, the light and breezy laughter that escaped Hahna's mouth at something Ceasar had said filling her ears.

"Now Hahna, I'm prone to believe that you'd be with the other careers, as typically expected, but I can't help to overhear rumors of a separate alliance," Ceasar turned serious, quirking a brow.

Hahna gave a chuckle.

"I can't think of being anywhere but the career pack, Ceasar," Hahna smiled, standing up as Ceasar bid her goodbye.

Her form fitting, black dress that went down to mid calf explored her gracefulness when walking, and showed off her high, six inch black heels and long, wavy hair.

"So much for an alliance," mumbled Octavia, watching as Hahnas district partner Breck flirted with the female population of the capitol, his muscled figure in a tight suit catching their attention.

The interview flew by, and soon, the stage crew was ushering her to the floor.

"And now, the youngest tribute to ever have the score she did, Octavia Whether, everybody!"

Octavia, exhaled deeply, before strutting to the seat awaiting her.

"My, oh my," said Ceasar, taking her hand and allowing her to sit down.

"You don't look the age you are, Miss. Whether. Quite mature, m'lady," he joked.

"Thank you, Mr. Flickerman," she teased back, letting out a bubbly laugh. It's all fake.

The audience broke out in giggles.

"Now, Octavia, as I said earlier you hold the record for youngest tribute with a score above eight. Anything you'd like to share?" Ceasar questioned, his falsely colored eyes staring into he hazel ones.

"That's something I cant quite share, not yet anyway," she smiled, giggling, leaning back into her chair and crossing her legs.

"Moving on, have you made any alliances? Certain people you're gunning for?" Ceasar chuckled, glancing slightly to the produced holding up one finger. One minute.

"Sure, there are most definitely people that intimidate me. But I have a few tricks up my sleeve, Ceasar. You haven't seen anything yet. " Octavia finished her interview, standing up, shaking his hand, waving to the audience, and strutting off.

Octavia nodded at Alix on her way out, stopping in an empty hall to watch Alix's interview.

"Ah, Alix. Such a fine young man. Now, before we talk about you, I'd like to delve into yout thoughts on your partner, Ms. Whether," Ceasar smiled at him.

"I don't thing Octavia deserves, nor wants to be here," he began.

Octavia let out a low hiss.

"She's only thirteen, y'know. Her chances of survival aren't high, spite her score. And her circumstances are beyond brutal. "

"That's why I intend to protect her in the arena."

Octavias eyes widened, noticing how all the other tributes stared her way.

"What are you planning?" She mumbled, walking away from the backstage area and back to her quarters.

Walking along a inhabited hall, Octavia came to a stop upon finding Chole and Hahna arguing.

"You offered to create an alliance, and then you do that!" Chole roared, taking a threatening step closer.

Octavia was confused, watching from afar.

" I told you, I was lieing to make them believe I was on their side, Chole, I care about you,"

He grabbed her face, resting his forehead against Hahna's.

"And what about Octavia," he questioned, his breathing rapid.

Hahna let out a small laugh , gesturing towards her.

Octavia shrugged silently, having a new found respect for Hahna.

-

Exiting the elevator, Octavia pulled open the door to the living quarters. It was later than she anticipated- maybe midnight. She, Hahna, and Chole had stayed up talking until the end of the interviews and even a bit after.

Closing the door, she turned only to see Alix sitting at the dining table, his head in his hands.

"Jesus- Alix? What are you doing?" She asked, her heart pounding. Reaching down, she pulled off her heels and threw them off to the side.

"I just wanted to make sure you got back okay," he mumbled, standing from his sitting position.

"Little past your bed time, hm?" He said, his words frustrated and sour. Octavia furrowed her brows, reaching back to undo her braid and let her hair down.

"Oh please, don't pretend to care," she snorted, turning on her heel to walk away.

"Everything I said tonight was true, y'know."

She turned to look at him, gave a tight lipped smile, and walked to her room.

Sure, he could say that. Pretend he cared just to murder her later on.

She wouldn't fall for it-

She couldn't.

-