Poisoned Flower (The Hunger Games)

Nine: The Garden

When her father had asked Diantha to join him, she was sure that it would only result in bad news. The two only spoke when he felt it was necessary and if there was something he wanted to do. These days they had done so far more often than they usually did. The entire journey since the parade had finished, he had talked about menial things; stuff like the weather, what she had been doing and so on. It was the kind of things fathers and daughters usually talked about. However, this was far from the usual and, despite doing a pretty good job at hiding it, she was on edge the entire time. It didn't help when the car stopped in front of his home and he made her follow him inside.

However, contrary to her concerns, Diantha was stood in his garden. It was full of rows of white rose bushes. There were so many that she thought she'd be camouflaged by them. It was the first time he had brought her there. Although, her father still hadn't offered an explanation as to why he had done so. Even so, she felt a little more relaxed. They were away from the public and being out in the fresh air, surrounded by nature wasn't something she was allowed to do all that often. As her fingers gently traced the beautiful white petals, she felt the breeze on her face. She treated every time she was outside as if it was her last. There was no telling when the next time would be, if there was even a next time. Her father had the power to take it away from her with a single word.

Her father observed her as she strolled through the garden. She was used to his gaze by now so, although a little bit uncomfortable, carried on as normal. He sat on a glass chair next to a matching table. Another chair was placed opposite. It was quiet. Although the Capitol was always noisy, the garden seemed to be in its own little bubble. The only other noise was from the breeze and a few crickets. If they were real, muttations or just sounds being played for ambience, she did not know. Being surrounded by silence was something the two of them preferred. It was one of the few similarities between them. It was peaceful. Her father coughed once to get her attention. She turned around to face him placing her arms in the small of her back.

"What do you think?" he asked.

"It's beautiful" she answered looking at the roses which surrounded her.

"I meant the Quarter Quell" he corrected, his eyes narrowing as he analysed her face.

"It's interesting..."

"Interesting?"

"I just don't understand" she sighed. He gave her a look which told her to continue. "It's stated in the rules that once a tribute had won their respective Hunger Games that they wouldn't have to enter the arena again".

"Sometimes rules change, and you know that the Quarter Quell disregards the norm of the Games" he spoke as if it was obvious. Diantha opened her mouth to say something but stopped. He noticed this. "Speak freely" he encouraged, gesturing his hand for her to sit on the seat opposite him.

"Doesn't it go against your plan to keep the Districts loyal to the Capitol?" she asked reluctantly, unsure as to how he would react. "It kind of suggests that the Capitol doesn't stick to its promises and that's something we can't afford at the moment".

"You make a good point. However, just as I said, the Quarter Quell is different. They'll understand. It was something that needed to be done anyway".

"What do you mean?" Diantha looked at him quizzingly despite knowing exactly what he meant.

"Certain threats need to be removed" he answered before changing the subject. "From tomorrow your room shall be unlocked. You will be free to come and go as you please. Just ensure that if you leave the building you have an escort".