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Marina had been sleeping in my bed with me since Finnick left for the Capitol. He didn't tell me why, but he told me he would be back in a few days. I didn't want him to be gone, but I had to learn how to handle things on my own. I could tell my sister wanted to ask me about the games. If Marina had a question; she would never hesitate to ask it; until now. Maybe talking to my about it would be therapeutic. Or maybe it would fuel my anxiety. I was thankful Finnick hadn't told my family about what I did. Maybe one day I would tell them, but I couldn't bring myself to.
People greeted me as I walked through town, as I was now somewhat like royalty in District 4. I was going to the market with Mags, who had forced me out of bed. I'd been staying in my room for the past few days, not saying anything, and barely eating. I was worrying my father, and he didn't deserve that, but I couldn't bring myself out of the darkness I was in.
I decide to get my father a few books; he loves to read, and he had gone through every book we had in the house. I got my sister a new sketchbook, knowing that hers is already full, and my uncle a leather bound journal. I figured it was the least I could do. Mags grabs some fruits and vegetables and we get ready to pay.
"Miss Underfell, it's an honor to see you. You don't have to pay. My treat." Mr. Farhorn smiles, and I shake my head.
"I'm still the same girl who came in here every week, looking for charms. I insist, take what I owe." I say, handing him a little extra. District 4 wasn't poor, but there were a few people who still struggled a little. "Have a good day, Mr. Farhorn." I say, walking away with Mags before he can say anything about the extra money.
***
I'm at Mags' house now, and she's teaching me how to cook. After she playfully puts flour on my face, I find myself smiling for the first time since I got back. We sit down at her kitchen table, eating the pie we had made after we are our dinner. Though it was usually quiet with Mags, I was never uncomfortable.
After leaving Mags' house, along with everything I got from the market, I now have pie that Mags told me to take home to my family. I open the door, not seeing anyone.
"Dad?" I call out. "Marina? Uncle Fletch?" My questions as to where they had gone are answered by a note sitting on the counter.
WENT OUT ON THE BOAT. DIDN'T WANT TO DISTURB YOU AND MAGS. - DAD
I set the pie down, and go to each of their rooms, and placing each of their gifts on their desks. Since no one is home, I decide to sit by the piano and play. My dad had taught me when I was young, and I'd like to think I was good at it. Marina was awful at it, and she knew it. She liked to draw. She was very talented at it, and I would often find myself snooping in her sketch books to see her latest drawing. I'd found one not long after I had gotten back of myself looking at what Azure had called a 'Stabbingjay', and my mouth slightly open, with music notes flowing around me. I had slammed the book shut, pretending like I didn't see anything.
I jump as I hear a knock on the door, not knowing who it was. I hope for the best, imagining Finnick at my door, but I was dead wrong. Two men dressed in black leather stood in front of someone, and it only takes seconds to recognize the white hair and the strong smell of perfume. Snow. They let themselves into my house, and two different men guide him to my father's study.
"President Snow would like to talk to you." My eyes are wide as they guide me into the study as well. Snow's standing up, looking at my father's books that are on the shelves.
"Your father seems like a wise man. Doesn't seem to judge a book by it's cover, I see." He says, running his fingers along the spines of the books. He sits down at my dad's desk, and gestures for me to sit in the chair in front of it.
"President Snow." I nod, trying to stay calm. "Coralia Underfell, it's an honor, truly. The citizens are raving about their mermaid with the most compassion." He tells me.
"President Snow, to what do I owe the pleasure?" I ask, biting my lip so hard that I start to feel the taste of iron. A devilish grin splits his face, as he puts his hands together.
"You see, Miss Underfell, It's customary for me to wait a couple of years if the tribute is on the younger side, but after the stunt in 3, I thought I would pay you an early visit. It seems as though the crowd really likes you. You say 'jump', they ask 'how high?' sort of thing. Unfortunately, this does not sit well with me." He continues.
"Azure was my friend. I was paying respects." I tell him. He ignores my statement.
"I won't doddle; I have come here to give you an ultimatum. Which you choose is truly up to you." I prayed that my family was still out, and weren't here to see these events unfold.
"How do I explain this? Coralia, you are seen as desirable in the Capitol. I know more than enough people who would pay for your...time. So I propose this to each tribute: let the people pay for your services and in return, get all the money you could ever ask for. Refuse me, and I will personally see to it that each and every person you love meets a violent death." I'm disgusted as I register his words, but I'm too scared to say anything.
"What's your sister's name? Melanie...Melissa..."
"Marina." I correct him.
"Ah, yes. What a lovely girl. It would be a shame for her to meet the same fate as the tribute from District 3. Your father and uncle being gutted as you are forced to watch." He sneers.
"You...you wouldn't." I stutter, tears threatening to spill.
"Your friend at the market would beg to differ." He shows me a screen with a mutilated Mr. Farhorn. A gasp leaves my mouth, and I feel my chest tighten. Snow stands up, straightening his coat.
"Arrive at the train station at midnight, or I will know you've chosen the difficult way." He starts to walk out, but stops.
"Oh, and Miss Underfell, you will not utter a word of this to your family. When questioned, say that you are required for confidential research and interviews." With that, he's gone, and I feel like I can barely breathe.
