saving serena , finnick odair (ON HOLD)

chapter three

If someone blind were to ask Serena to describe her ceremony outfit, she would mumble apologies and assert them that it's beautiful. It's impossible to string a sentence together in fear of under-appreciating the soft yet hard fabric plastered against her skin.

In the best words she can, Serena scrambles some sentences together as she admires herself properly in the mirror. Andonis has emphasised Serena's supposed beauty by trying to expose as much skin as he can without making her look naked. The material used for her dress is a soft metal, able to wilt by a warm touch and shape into anything desirable. Against her skin, lays thousands of tiny fish scales.

She has, in fact, been dressed as a fish. But to Serena, it's so much more than that. The bottom of the outfit flows all the way down to her ankles at the back, but the front is raised so high she feels like tugging it down. As the scales of the 'tail' run up her back, they disappear under her hair as the dress reaches her hair line. The scales wrap around her arms like waves in the sea, and even reach her fingernails, that are painted a perfect pearl white.

The front, although mostly her skin, shows scales lapping round from her back as if trying to lick any impurities left on her belly (although Serena knows there is nothing unwanted left on her body). The scales wrap around from her back so that they are just below her breasts, where they run up and fall over her shoulders, leaving the front of her neck exposed.

Although Andonis has already left to see Roman, Serena gasps thanks. "It's perfect."

There is a sharp knock on the door, and the district 4 tribute spins round. The scales move with her body, flowing evenly and reminding Serena of her home. Every part of this outfit screams the ocean, and it only makes the pang in her heart widen as she wishes to feel the warm, salty water lap over her toes one more time.

"Oh!" There is a screech as Brisa enters the room, bright green lipstick and lime green hair contrasting to Serena's midnight blue dress. "Darling you look stunning! Perfect! Sexy! Irresistible! Oh you are sure to get sponsors looking so beautiful."

"Thank you, Brisa." Serena replies. It's all she can get out of her mouth as she's too shocked at her impression on her escort. "Is it time?" It feels like only moments ago she was on the train, tears streaming down her face after her disagreement with Finnick. Disagreement? Serena internally snorts at her own thoughts.

"Of course, my dear! The Capitol can wait no longer for your pretty little face!" Her excitement is draining as Serena smiles yet again, her cheek muscles already complaining for their excessive use. It's not that the girl dislikes her escort, it's just the Capitol ways in general that dig at Serena. Their shrill voices, selfish chatter and, of course, the persistence of trying to look 'perfect'. Serena wonders what perfect looks like to them, perfection to her is a kind heart and willingness to die for those you love, certainly not cat whiskers and green skin.

As Brisa ushers Serena to the chariots, the girl gives out a nervous breath. The ceremony is not on the top of Serena's worries as she couldn't care less about the city about to send her to her death sentence. Instead, it's the constant looming thought of Finnick Odair sending jitters through Serena. Her confrontation was a mistake as she wants to try and get the best advice from Finnick without the awkward small talk before hand.

And, if Serena is completely honest, Finnick and her haven't had the best of starts.

"Here we are!" Brisa exclaims as the pair stand in front of a chariot lined with fish netting and seaweed - typical. Upon glance, Serena realises she is the only tribute here and is ridiculously early. She watches wearily as Finnick walks towards them.

"Thanks for getting her here in time, Brisa." Finnick smiles at the escort with the genuine gratitude he always has. He looks at Serena, swiftly and quickly, before turning his attention back to the Capitol worker.