ODDS

playing games

The horns had blown, signaling that the parade was about to begin. Sander had jogged back over, slightly winded. He stepped onto the chariot, and, with Finnick's help, pulled me up to stand next to him. Mags had walked over a few short seconds later, as had Zane, fluffing out my dress behind me and giving me a few last minute tips. I nodded, even though I wasn't actually listening. A pit formed in the middle of my stomach, and I quickly felt nauseous. I was about to be shown off to all of Panem.

A hand grabbed my own and I looked over to Sander, who had a slightly worried look on his face. He gave me a reassuring look, which made me feel much better. At least I wasn't doing this alone. I gave one last look to my mentors just as Mags assured me that she would be waiting at the end for me. I smiled.

The chariot shot forward.

My balance was lost for a split second, but Sander, thankfully, still held my hand, helping to keep me in place. I took a breath, right before the bright sunlight hit my pale skin and blinded my eyes. When I gained my sight back, I put on my game face.

And I was ready to play their games.

I plastered a large smile on my face, making sure I didn't overdo it. I looked to the deafening crowd. They screamed my name trying to get me to look at them for only a second. They waved and I returned them, getting on my toes in a girly sort of manner. I blew kisses into the crowd, and they fought to catch every one. I became bolder and bolder, and eventually I allowed myself to wink. They completely lost it. I giggled, acting as if I thought it was the most endearing thing in the world.

When we got to the end, our chariots circled around and stopped in neat and orderly lines in front of the leader of Panem itself.

President Snow.

He was a fuzzy blob from this distance, but I could tell that he had a cunning smile on his face. He wore a sort of gold robe, glittered in clear crystals. His white hair shined in the fading afternoon light.

He was more intimidating in person.

"Welcome, tributes to the Capitol of Panem!" the crowd went wild as Snow paused. He lifted his hand to quiet them, which they did after a few seconds. He continued, "Happy Hunger Games. And may the odds be ever in your favor."

The crowd went wild again and we lurched forward. My grip on Sander tightened for a split second as we disappeared from the crowds view and into the safety of the Tribute's Center. We travelled until the wall appeared before the chariot, and Sander hopped off, offering his hand to help me down. Gladly, I took it, taking off my heals as soon as I settled on the ground.

"Wow, you two. That was really something. I've got at least five people waiting to sponsor each of you!" Zane nodded, impressed. I gave a small smile at that.

"Darling, that was wonderful. You did amazing." It was Mags' turn to praise, and she brought me into a hug that I gladly accepted. We pulled away and Zane and Mags began talking to Sander about his performance. Finnick turned to me with a look of admiration on his face.

"Really, Alana, that was perfect. I couldn't have done any better myself." he applauded my efforts. I gave a smirk.

"I was just playing their games. It was nothing." I referenced to our earlier conversation. He looked to his feet, giving a soft chuckle before looking back to me.

"You sure did." He gave me a wink, and a blush creeped onto my face. I prayed that the blue scales covered it.

"Finnick. Alana. Come on, let's go to our floor."

***

Sleep was not forthcoming at all that night. After being dismissed to my room, I tossed and turned in the too-soft sheets. This went on for hours before I growled in frustration, sitting up abruptly, my hair wild and all over the place. I decided to explore the fourth floor, which would be my home for the next few days. That is, until I was sent to my death.