𝕎𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕣, 𝕎𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕣 | 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐎𝐝𝐚𝐢𝐫 [Hunger Games]

Fights & Feelings

↳ NINE ↵

When I return, after changing into a blue ballgown and taking the wig off so Mosa could put my hair back into an updo, the party was in full swing.

All the guests were dressed in more flamboyant outfits than I was and were swinging around and having a good time. Once they notice me, they form a tunnel as they all applaud me for my performance, almost as if they forgotten that I was a victor. I smile waving thanks as I walk to the end which is simply the middle of the party. Once I reach the center, they all close in and the party continues once again.

I begin to take a tour of Snow's mansion, appreciating the beauty of the home. Every painting to every candle was detailed to perfection without a slight error. I smile, allowing my curiosity to lead me around the room.

"Now where are you going, Briar-Rose Flanagan," I hear a deep male voice call from my left.

Stopping my venture around the mansion and spinning on my heels, I am met with Seneca Crane, head game maker, and mustache connoisseur. The reason Velvet and so many others died.

My lips open slightly in shock at meeting the man who just months before tried to kill me in my games, now smiling at me as if we were friends. I watch as he takes my hand from my side and brings it to his lips.

Pulling it away he smiles, "Your beauty only strengthens with age. Why by the time you are twenty-five you will be a jewel."

I mutter a small thank you, wishing I could escape and get as far away form the disgusting man as possible. Yet, Crane continues, "How are you liking being a Victor so far? Treating you well?"

I try to pull my hand away but his grip tightens as he waits for my answer, I give him an insincere smile, "I am so grateful to be alive and have all the luxuries the Capital has granted me," I recite from memorization.

He smiles, something dark flitting, I feel Crane walk closer before giving me a once over, "I am sure you are, but I bet you would like more," Crane whispers close to my face, causing me to wrinkle my nose at the slight smell of vomit. He must be eating a lot tonight.

I feel Crane's eyes on me as he purrs, "You know when a Victor marries a Capital citizen, they are granted citizenship as well."

I try not to gag at Crane's revolting insinuation of a union between the two of us. Not only was he the head game maker, a role I loathe, but he was also ten years my elder. In addition to just being a terrible person in a group of terrible people.

I feel a cool hand on my shoulder that pulls me away from Crane in record time. I turn to see Johanna wearing a manipulative smirk on her face, "Seneca Crane. So nice to see you. I see you have met our latest Victor. Did you propose yet?," Jo flirtatiously winks at me, causing me to stifle my laughter,. I apparently wasn't as lucky as Crane had expected me to think.