𝙳𝙸𝚂𝙼𝙰𝚈 ° finnick odair ²

5

Egeria opened the door to the parlor, ushering the victors through. Finnick rested a hand on the small of Adrienne's back, leading her in first before following close behind.

Snow was sitting at a large oak desk, watching the door for their arrival. When he saw the two of them, he smiled. "Ah, welcome. Please, sit."

Without hesitation, Adrienne walked over and sat down in a chair across from his desk, staring him down. She no longer feared Snow. Not after all he has done to her.

She wasn't afraid of him.

Finnick sat beside her, keeping his arm around her waist. "You have something to talk to us about. What is it?"

Snow ignored his snippy tone and sat down slightly in his chair. "I've called you both here to address some rumors."

"Rumors?" The girl questioned.

"Yes." Snow said, irritation clear in his voice.. "Rumors consisting of the two of you resuming your relationship." The man sat back slightly in his chair, folding his hands in his lap. "I thought we all had an understanding."

"We do." Finnick was quick to defend himself. "We have been very careful not to show anything to the public. I'm sure of it."

"Well, it would seem not." The president snapped at the victor, not in the mood to play any games. "Now, to ensure that no more...funny business shall be happening, you two may no longer be in an intimate relationship with one another."

"What?" Adrienne snapped.

"You can't just-"

Finnick was cut off by the president, who acted like the two hadn't even spoken. "Any rejection or refusal to this command will result in drastic measures." He looked up at the two with a serious face. "I warned the both of you what would happen if you defied me." There was a pause. "If you could, Mr. Odair, I'd like to speak to her in private for a moment."

Before Finnick had a moment to object, he was grabbed by the arm and pulled from his chair. Adrienne watched with wide eyes as the boy was dragged out of the room, the door shutting tightly behind him.

"You of all people should know not to defy me, Miss Sallow." The president spoke up, causing the girl to turn and face him again. "For you, there is so much on the line. Now, you will do as told or there will be...serious consequences."

She scoffed, shaking her head. "Go to hell."

Adrienne stood quickly from her chair, walking towards the door. She was just about to leave when the older man spoke up from behind her.

"They would have been bliss, you know." He said, causing her to stop, frozen in place. "They would have been your little flower. Your little rose."

The blonde girl took a deep breath, her hands shaking at what Snow just revealed to her. Though he never actually said it, she knew what he was implying; when it comes to him, roses mean blood. Roses mean poison.

She rushed out of the room, not being able to stay in his presence any longer. The girl made her way back to the party, keeping her head slightly down as she weaved her way through the crowds, looking out for Finnick.

She only looked up when she felt someone's shoulder ram into hers. When she turned, she saw none other than this year's victor. Well, one of them.

"I'm sorry." Peeta apologized immediately. "I didn't see you."

"It's alright. I wasn't paying attention." She brushed off.

"Are you ok? You seem...I don't know; worried?"

She took a deep breath. "I'm fine. Just do is both a favor and take my advice; don't trust Snow."

Adrienne quickly walked away, leaving the baker's boy watching after her in utter confusion.