inexorable [finnick odair]

ii: caesar's interview

.

.

.

Sable stared at herself in the mirror, as mute as an avox, wondering how she had gotten here. Everything had felt like one massive blur since she had left the arena, to the point that she'd even started to wonder if she had hallucinated the meeting with Finnick Odair that morning.

She'd gone straight back to hair and make-up, something that had confused her tremendously but it seemed like her original session was just for her introduction to Finnick. Why they felt like she needed to be pruned and pampered before meeting the boy, she was unsure. It wasn't like he'd made much of an effort, since he literally hadn't even taken the time to put on a pair of shoes before heading up to her suite.

"Now, we'll need to market your talent," Ivory said, once again filing her nails as Rymon and his team worked around Sable. 

The District 10 victor looked up at Ivory through the mirror, squinting at her in confusion. Sable hadn't spoken much to them all since she had been passed over to the prep team, flashes of her games still coming back to haunt her.

"What?"

"All Victors need a talent," Ivory sighed, rubbing at her temple as she looked at the lack of recognition in her victor's eyes. This was the first time that she'd had a victor from District 10, and it was no secret that the entire of Panem wanted to get to know more about the teenager. "Finnick's is fishing - of course - but there's other talents you can pick from. For example, Gloss and Cashmere model, Augustus acts, Cecilia writes... you need to pick a talent. What do you do back in 10?"

"Em," Sable said, not really sure what was going on. "I sometimes help my brothers on the ranch and herd cattle."

Ivory raised an eyebrow, looking at Sable with a mix of surprise and disappointment. 

"Herding cattle? That won't sell, Sable. We need something that will captivate the Capitol audience. Something that will make them fall in love with you. Do you sing? Dance? Play an instrument?" Ivory continued, listing off the options in the hope that Sable would surprise her and announce something of use.

Sable felt herself flicker with irritation at the suggestion. Sing? Dance? When the hell would she have had time to learn an instrument in District 10? The closest thing she'd ever came to a musical instrument was when they'd have to blow the horn at the cattle sometimes. Sure, there were a few older guys who worked on the ranch that played small string instruments they'd somehow came into possession of, but there was no chance they'd ever let a kid touch those, let alone learn.

"No, I don't have any talents like that," Sable replied, her voice sharp as a slight distaste spilled into her words. Ivory gritted her teeth in response, not impressed with Sable's lack of help. Ivory wanted to help Sable get the most out of the new life that she was given, but there was only so much she could do with the stubborn victor. Ivory let out a heavy sigh, exchanging a look with Rymon before turning back to Sable.