Allied Hearts - Finnick Odair

Chapter 9.

'Alia it's past three now, you really need to start getting ready for the parade!' My stylist, Bee, begged me to make a move. He had been making me look all pretty for four years now.

His face displayed frustration as I sat in defiance at the oak dining table.

'Right I'm getting Ava!' He puffed causing me to roll my eyes.

That sentence was basically the equivalent of 'I'm telling your mum' in my world.

Shortly after he had left in came Ava with a sympathetic expression clouding her dark features.

'Alia come on, you know you had to start getting ready an hour ago, time is ticking. On the clock and for Bee, he's getting so stressed I think his healths at risk.' She chuckled at her own joke but still remained serious with me.

'Right, this is your final chance to see and speak to some of those tributes, why would you want to miss that? You know you'll regret it.' Realising she was right I reluctantly left the chair I'd been hibernating at for the day.

'Anyway Finnick is going to love seeing how gorgeous you're about to look. I've seen the outfit, you're going to take his breath away.' She giggled to herself as she trailed behind me down the hallway.

My hair was unfortunately the bearer of Bee's frustration with me. His definition of brushing it was to yank the brush through my long locks, my head bobbing around like a rag doll with each strand he perfected.

'Do you know Alia Snow you are going to be the death of me one day, all I do is try to make you look nice and this is what I get. Stress stress stress. If it's not from you, it's her' He pointed the brush at Ava who was pulling faces each time he did something new with my hair, showing her clear distaste.

We exchanged amused expressions with each other as he rambled on. It was true, we did give the poor man a tough time each event.

His hard work paid off after a strenuous three hours. I looked in the mirror to admire his artwork, he really outdid himself this time.

After much consideration my hair was finalised to be beachy waves with various tiny plaits cascading around my head.

The dress was floor length with long mesh sleeves. Flowers of all colours incorporated into the designs making it stand out with vibrancy.

'You are a tough crowd you two, but when you're finished it's a masterpiece!' Bee squeezed my shoulders, glad with what he'd done.

'Thank you Bee, I love it as always.'

One of the maids entered the room informing us all it was time to go. Shouts of good luck and well wishes followed me down the hall.

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Luckily it was just myself on the journey down to the Parade, my father had previously left as he insisted I was taking way too long.

As I arrived swarms of Capitol crazies ran for me, swooning over every detail of my look.

'We've seen you and Finnick, and if it makes any difference, we think he'll survive. We all love him!' It was almost like I had forgotten what we were here for, the moment they mentioned surviving it all kicked back in again. My shoulders slouched as I strolled away from them, uninterested in anymore they had to say.

At least it was nice to know the Capitol liked him, they really can be the difference between your life and death out in that arena. They're allowed to send gifts into Tributes to help them along the way. So I'm hoping Finnick will be receiving a lot of love and attention from them. And of course the others too, let's hope the Capitol are having a generous year.

Gazing around I see my Father socialising, before he can notice me back I scuttle off backstage, hoping to get some last minute words into everybody before the show really starts.

'Miss Snow, you know you're not allowed back here! Stylists and Tributes only!' My eyebrows raised at the peacemaker who stood in my way, they're a real handful sometimes.

'She's with me. Learning and... stuff?' One of the stylists stepped forward causing the peacemaker to give up and move from his burly stance.

'Oh thanks for that.'

'Anytime, I'm Layla. Finnick's stylist' She smiled cheerily at me before dashing off, leaving me alone.

Walking over to a jumpy Callissa I tried to shift my focus on anything but Finnick right now, I'd speak to him last so then we'd get the most time together.

I pulled my dear friend into a big hug whispering in her ear how she was going to be okay every so often. I could tell what a nervous wreck she was, her whole body shaking with fear.

'This is it. My last day out' Her eyes focused on the floor, almost like a sad little puppy.

'Hey stop it Cal, don't say that. You could be the one walking out of that arena! You've got all the skills your dads been teaching you, and Finnick has taught you combat. You are a very threatening Tribute I'd say'

Callissa attempted to smile at my words but ultimately nothing I said could make her feel better. We both knew that.

All of the Tributes I spoke to had the same attitude and carried the same atmosphere as Callissa, afraid and anxious. I didn't blame them, I would be too in their shoes. They know this is the last day of freedom until the bloodbath begins, and none of them want to even be there when it starts. I tried my hardest to cheer them up but I wasn't having much luck, they were much too focused on fate and how it was going to play out for them.

'We're not training anymore are we Honey?' A voice fanned down my neck, showing someone was way too close for comfort.

Swinging myself around I was surprised to see Ben, one of the career Tributes centimetres away from me. I took the opportunity to take a few steps back as he continued talking to me.

'Why Finnick? What's so special about him? You spent every training day at his side, how do you think that makes me feel Alia? You could of shown me a bit of love too.'

I scoffed at him trying to excuse myself from the conversation. Clearly angering him as he grabbed my arm and twisted me back with great force.

'Come on Alia, just give me a little something' he tried to reach into me, almost like he was going to kiss me.

'Get off Ben, what is wrong with you?!'

'Suit yourself, just know Finnick is the first blood I'm after' He walked away backwards, making sure to keep his eyes glued to mine.

I stood confused and vulnerable as the attacker made his way out of sight.

'Hey, what was all that about?' A familiar voice appeared the other side of me. Coming face to face with Finnick I just shrugged. He pulled me into an embrace almost like he never wanted to let go, I never wanted him to either.